LETTERS: MEADOW HEIGHTS LIKES TOURNAMENT

To the editor:

It has been approximately four weeks since sportswriter Bob Miller's column about Meadow Heights and Chaffee dropping out of the University High Christmas Tournament. Many comments have been made in our community about his sentiments regarding the tournament.

I cannot speak for Chaffee, but the majority of the people I talk with at Meadow Heights do not agree with Miller. We believe that the school participates in a quality tournament and that the tournament affords our athletes the opportunity to play in an arena that otherwise would not be available. Our participation in the tournament is for our student athletes. Even though we have not fared well recently, our athletes indicate a desire to have the experience.

As for the money, that is an added benefit but totally unnecessary for us to continue participating. We would want to be in the tournament even if we received nothing. This year we received a little over $600. The money will certainly be welcome, but it is not the primary reason for being in this tournament.

As to who should drop out, perhaps the large schools should look for a tournament with schools equal to their size. I am not unhappy that they participate, but if we want equality, maybe only 1A and 2A schools should be invited, considering that the majority of schools participating are classified as 1A or 2A by school population.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that we feel our program is moving forward. We feel that in the next several years we will be competitive. If we would drop out now, then where would our students participate?

It is my belief and that of our school board that our students benefit from the Christmas tournament experience, and we intend to continue this for them. We believe it to be in their best interest.

DUANE SCHINDLER

Superintendent

Meadow Heights School District

Patton