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Response to Comments Made Regarding Athletics at Haldane
Reprinted at the Request of the Writer Haldane High School Board of Education
Dear Board Members:
I just read the Putnam County News and felt I should respond to the comments made by John & Mary Franz and Dave Merandy regarding athletics at Haldane.
Stephanie Carrington's comments were correct. The kids who play travel ball have better skills and have a much better chance of making the team. Not because they play for a certain club or AAU team. They have a better chance because, in most cases, they are better players. Playing high school sports is not a right, it is a privilege.
My daughter, Megan Lyons, has played travel volleyball for Downstate Juniors for 5 years. How much money it has cost me is not Mr. Merandy's business. The fact that Mr. Merandy would even use the words upsetting and disturbing when referring to travel ball proves that he knows nothing about the subject. Downstate Volleyball Club not only taught Megan how to be a better volleyball player, the club taught her how to manage her time with homework and volleyball. The club has given her the chance to travel all over the country and visit places she will never forget.
The gifted athlete program should not be taken away from the kids who are qualified. What message would that send to the kids? That you don't have to work hard for something, because at Haldane, it will be handed to you!
Maybe Mr. & Mrs. Franz and Dave Merandy should come watch a varsity volleyball game. The benefits of travel volleyball are there for everyone to see.
Annie Lyons
Cold Spring
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