FanSpeak

A perfect fit

I THINK Nextel and NASCAR will make a wonderful fit next season and in the years to come. Ican't help but think that NASCAR also is relieved that they're getting a more politically correct sponsor, because let's face it:We're led to believe cell phones are cool and cigarettes are bad. NASCAR can benefit from that misconception for a few years now.

Getting carried away

I RECENTLY visted Delta and watched the junior high school girls basketball team play several other schools in a tournament. I just want to comment that I think the girls are very good at playing ball, but in all fairness, I think some go a little bit too far when it comes to pushing and shoving. I overheard a coach tell one of his players to push anyone that got in her way. I believe in playing fair.

Inspiring rodeo work

THANKS SO much for the coverage of the Missouri High School Rodeo Finals. You did a wonderful job. The finals to these kids are the same as the basketball, baseball or soccer state finals. They work hard to get here and even harder to go on to nationals. Your coverage was greatly appreciated.

What's he wearing?

LEBRON JAMES just looked silly in that white suit during the NBA draft. What's sad is that such a gaudy outfit cost more than most of us will earn in six months.

Remember, it's summer

THIS IS to the coaching staff of the Central High School football team. We only have nine or 10 weeks off this summer, and you have two weeks of camp here at the school, then practices start in the first or second week of August and you've got a camp out of town. When you asked my son way back in March if he could go to this camp, he said yes. Then we told him he couldn't go because that's when we're having family vacation. I had 10 weeks that we're off school in which to plan our vacation. The only week we could get off and our whole family go on vacation happened to coincide with the football camp. There's no reason to punish a child because of things he can't control. You've got to remember this is summer. You should not penalize a kid because of his parents' vacation plans.

National noteworthy

YOU MAY want to note that two local team ropers also qualified for the national finals in Farmington, N.M.: Ty Atchison of Jackson and Jeremy Hemmann of Oak Ridge.

Bring on football

I'M READY for football season, especially with the kind of talk the Rams have been getting in the past few weeks. Ithink this will be the year the Rams get back to the Super Bowl. I really do believe that.

Rodeo on the rise

THANK YOU for your excellent coverage of the Missouri High School State Rodeo Finals at Flickerwood Arena. Rodeo is a growing sport in the area. Our students appreciate your recognition of their accomplishments.

The answer never came

I KEPT waiting for somebody to ask more about the comment that a well-known coach was doing something and the Southeast Missourian was covering it up. Am I the only curious one?

Sunday a day to race

REGARDING YOUR mention of the survey on local dirt track racing, I would be in favor of going to local racing events on Sundays if they were over in time to get to bed at a decent hour. NASCAR tracks can do it. If they keep us up until 2 a.m., forget it. Some of us have to work.

Reward with consistency

THE CARDINALS want consistency fromKerry Robinson, but how many times this season have they sent him to Memphis and then recalled him?How is a player supposed to find consistency in a bad situation like that?

No chance to win

NO, Idon't believe the Cardinals have even a remote chance to win the division this year. Pitching doesn't just go from mediocre to game-winning overnight.

Credit the fielders, too

MY HAT'S off to the fielders in local baseball games. When your pitcher gets a no-hitter and he gets his name in the paper and gets all the credit, my hat's off not only to the pitcher but also to his fielders. For example, there's that third baseman who charges on that perfectly placed bunt and makes a fantastic play to throw that speedy runner at first, or the outfielder who makes a diving catch to save this from being a hit on that one. There's all kinds of fielding plays made that ensure that no-hitter. Most kids can't throw a no-hitter. So, yes, the pitchers get all the credit, but you fielders, you're doing a great job out there, too.