I was hurt when I read the recent comments under the article about Qualifying for State, but then I remembered what my parents had taught me that, “True Champions are made from Adversity.”

Those of you who may not know me, should know that I have been supporting the Italy Football Team as a cheerleader since I was in seventh grade, and have not missed one game until last Friday night, after my parents convinced me that I would have a better race if I got on down to Houston to get a feel for the track and a good night’s sleep.

You may also need to know that I am a dedicated athlete as well, in all sports, and have rarely missed a practice unless I was competing in another sport such as cross country track.

Heath Clemons is a good friend, and I cheer for him every Friday night at games. He is an amazing athlete. And as athletes we both know that on many occasions we play hurt and injured. It’s the nature of team sports and high school athletics, no matter male or female.

I made a choice to put my Regional cross country track meet ahead of cheering for the boys in Itasca, a game in which I absolutely hated to miss, but I believe the Italy Football team and the majority of the community realize how much I love and support Italy High School.

Kelly Lewis, thank you for the nice article, I hate that it has drawn negative attention.

Snoop, You are a True Champion, and I was proud of you at Regionals.

To those of you who are concerned about my attendance as a cheerleader, I won’t be cheering Friday night, as well. I will be in Round Rock practicing on the track before the state meet on Saturday.

Go Gladiators…Beat Lovelady!!!!

Comment by Karen Mathiowetz, received November 10 @ 10:30 pm

Kaitlyn, I am so sorry that you have been hurt by the vicious comments that were made. Your parents are very wise to teach you what they have about being strong. It would have been so easy for you to retaliate with harsh comments, but you chose not to and proved how mature you are.

Sometimes we have to make hard decisions in life. I can just imagine how hard it was for you to be away from the game Friday night. You love to cheer and have cheered the Gladiators on all season. But, sometimes we must set our priorities straight. I believe as hard as it was, that was what you had to do. I want you to know how proud I am of your accomplishments on the track, on the court and in the classroom. I consider it a privilege to be able to watch you grow up and be such a good role model for younger students. I know you will do your best in Round Rock. I will not be there in person to cheer you on, but I will be there in spirit. You are a champion and truly have the heart of a Gladiator!

Comment by Elmerine Allen Bell, received November 11 @ 2:54 am

Kaitlyn Rossa and Heath Clemons ARE both winners!

My concern, however, is with the writer of the initial comments on this matter, “Sophomore Kaitlyn Rossa Advances to State in UIL Cross Country” by Kelly Lewis, 07/Nov/2009. The writer identifies himself as a coach at Italy High School. His comments are that Heath Clemons “battled his heart out in a grueling war, was injured, left the dressing room after 11 p.m. and slept less than 5 hours, traveled to the regional cross country meet, competed and never quit.”

I am drawn to the part of the comment which states that this athlete “was injured” in the high school football game. Was the 11th grader checked out by licensed medical personnel? Was he advised to seek immediate medical attention? Was he allowed to travel more than 200 miles to compete in the regional cross country meet without these safeguards? Will he be allowed to go onto the field for the next football game without having his health evaluated by a professional?

Research verifies that the long term effects of sports injuries, especially football injuries that are not treated immediately, are detrimental to the quality of health and life of former athletes (please see “60 Minutes”, October 9, 2009, www.cbsnews.com).

Without question, Heath would be “warming the bench” or “kicked off the team” if he had chosen to forego playing in the Itasca game in order to prepare for the cross country meet. Would he have been criticized in the media or labeled a “quitter” by the coaches had he failed to show up for that grueling run in Humble?

Do we, the fans, coaches, and parents of the Italy Gladiators, care if our athletes are physically fit to participate? I care.

Comment by Lee Hamilton, received November 11 @ 8:44am

Miss Rossa,
I myself am very proud of your achievements in athletics and academics. You did what you had to do to reach you goal to get to the state meet, and not cheering Friday night is a good call on your part. My beef is not with you its just that something’s should not be put out in the open before being thought out. The repercussions of someone’s thought’s or ideal’s could effect an entire community or even a school district. I feel what Coach Sollers had to say was not for all eye’s to see, he just wanted Mr. Clemmons name to be added to the article. Good luck to you at the state meet. GO GLADIATORS!!!!