LETTERS: A WORTHY ATHLETE-SCHOLAR

To the editor:

Being a concerned parent and father of an athlete in the Cape Girardeau school system, I feel there was a more deserving male athlete for the Lou Muegge Award. Apparently there were others who felt the same way. At the All-School Recognition Banquet last week, many people along with myself were bewildered when the winner was announced. I am not downplaying the accomplishments of the student who received this prestigious award. However, I wonder if the voters followed the standards that were established for the award, which are citizenship, scholarship and athletic accomplishments.

This young man is a very bright student as well as an outstanding athlete. He has maintained a B average throughout his academic years. Some of his activities include Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Homemakers of America, Letterman Club and Student Advisory Committee. He also was inducted into the Vocational Technical National Honor Society this year. He has been accepted at the University of Kansas School of Architect and Urban Design in Lawrence, Kan.

He has accomplished a lot athletically throughout his school career. He holds the freshman and sophomore triple-jump records. He was voted most athletic in his freshman class.

During his sophomore year he was the third leading scorer on the varsity soccer team, a member of the first district championship soccer team and conference champion in the triple jump. He was a sectional qualifier in the triple jump and the 4x400 relay team. He qualified for state and finished 10th in the triple jump.

His junior year accomplishments included a member of the second district championship soccer team, second team all-conference in football (kicker), member of the co-conference championship football team and a member of the conference championship track team. He was district champion in the triple jump and a member of the third-place track team in the state. He also placed eighth in the state for the triple jump.

Senior year concludes with the first-ever all-state honorable mention soccer player in the history of Central High School. So far this year he is unbeaten in the triple jump.

He has been involved in track, football and soccer throughout his high school career, which is difficult at times because football and soccer are played during the same season and often scheduled at the same time.

I feel this evidence proves that my son is very deserving of the Lou Muegge Award. It is one of the highest honors for any male athlete at Central High School. I believe my son has proven himself as an outstanding athlete, scholar and citizens.

STEVEN LEE

Cape Girardeau