I will be the first to admit I am not a trained journalist. I do love to write though. Several years ago I began covering Gladiator sports for the Itasca Express – Italy did not have a newspaper at that time. Then I covered all Italy news for the Italy News Herald. After I began writing the City of Italy monthly newsletter, I was approached by the Italy Neotribune to submit articles to them.

I wanted my kids to get the coverage they deserved. That is why I stood on the sidelines in all kinds of weather to report their games. They never expected more than exactly that from me. No matter what the final score was on games, they always knew I was proud of them. Because of this I built lasting relationships with some of our athletes, male and female. I love my kids. I have always tried to write honestly and fairly. That was also the standard of the Neotrib. They are the only outlet we have to read Italy news on a daily basis and I am very thankful to them for what they have done and continue to do.

This week there was a story written by Kelly Lewis regarding Kaitlyn Rossa qualifying for the state cross-country meet. There were negative comments submitted regarding this article which really upset me. I believe that Ms. Lewis would never do anything to hurt anyone, especially a student athlete. She supports all Italy athletics and has for several years. I do understand that the article was about Kaitlyn advancing to the state meet. I get it! It did not have any hidden meanings nor did it intend to slight any other athlete.

I did not take offense to the article. I know when I cover football games, I do not mention every player on the team for several reasons. It is not to be tacky or negative or hurtful. I wish I could mention every player on the team, but there is not space enough to do so. It is also because it would be impossible without help to keep up with every play or every tackle. When I write I mention big plays and playmakers. In the article I submitted to the newspaper this past week, I mentioned Heath Clemons’ two touchdowns and Ethan Simon’s safety and sack. That is the way I write. I did not do it to slight players like Ross Enriquez, Jonathan Nash, Justin Hayes, Aaron Thomas or any of my other kids.

I do not for a minute believe Ms. Lewis’ article had to do with the boy/girl argument. Where that came from is beyond me. All the article was trying to do was give credit to a young lady that had represented Italy High School so well and done something that no other Italy athlete had done. She deserved the spotlight, even if it was for a minute or two. She earned it! I know that cheerleading will probably not get her a college scholarship where track just might.

I am very proud that Heath “Snoop” Clemons had a great game last Friday night. He excelled on offense and defense again this week. He is a definite asset to our team. He also competed in the Regional cross country meet. I am proud of him for that also. I know it must have been tough for him to play Friday night and then run on Saturday. But, I also know that Kaitlyn did nothing wrong by not cheering Friday night. I also believe if there had been a volleyball game on Friday night, Kaitlyn would have played in it. I was a cheerleader and believe they are an integral part of games. I also know that cheerleading is different from playing on a team. I think Kaitlyn knows that too even if some adults do not.

Our cheerleaders do a great job every week. They give their all just like the players do. Should we include their performance in our articles every week? I will let you be the judge.

I am hoping all the negativity will stop. It does not serve any meaningful purpose and is very hurtful to our young people that do not deserve it. It also leaves a negative impression of our school. We do not want that nor do we need that. The end for now.