Dear Editor,

I attended the Blanco Panther/Industrial Cobra football game on Saturday and felt compelled to write to bring your attention to several things. First, let me say that I grew up in Fredericksburg and now reside in Wimberley. My family and I attended the game because we have relatives that live in the Industrial ISD and in Blanco.

As my family and I walked into the stadium we came up on a white Blanco Panther trailer that is obviously used to haul equipment for the band, football team or the train whistle. My 10 year old and 13 year old quickly pointed out the curse word that was painted on the trailer. On the flip chance that you haven't seen it says "Hit Somebody - Kick A**." We were appalled to see that kind of statement on a school related vehicle. I have attended hundreds of high school athletic events throughout the state of Texas and I can say that I have NEVER seen that statement at any of those events.

Personally, I am embarrassed for the school and community that allow this vehicle to be driven to sporting events throughout the state. Teaching sportsmanship is a difficult job for any parent or coach but when curse words are allowed on school related vehicles, all attempts have been undermined. While it may be a common phrase at high schools, it shouldn't be among the young Blanco Panther fans and it certainly isn't among the "old timers" in Blanco.

I witnessed another post-game situation that I would like to call your attention to. After the traditional mid-field shaking of the hands by the two teams, several of your players returned to the Industrial sideline and asked some of the Cobra players for their decals/stickers from their helmets. Is this a Blanco tradition like scalping an Indian as a war trophy? Allowing your players to approach the opponents sideline is a dangerous thing. At a time when emotions are high, a fight could have easily ensued. Thankfully, the Industrial players said no and walked away but as they did the Blanco players then said "Have fun in basketball."

The two situations that I witnessed are truly classless acts that should not be allowed in high school sports in Texas. Your students need to be taught how to be good sports and if the parents or coaches are perpetuating these situations then you as administrators and community members should put a stop to it. While championships are fantastic, it is good sportsmanship that begets good citizenship in their adult lives. I would think that the good people of Blanco would want their community viewed favorably by their opponents’ fans even more than they want another state championship. And if a state championship is more important than teaching good life lessons and being positive role models for our children, then your priorities are all screwed up.

Regards,

Traci Linker

Wimberley, TX

Response to Letter to the Editor:

The Blanco County News contacted the District in regards to an email that was sent to the News and to the District from Traci Linker. The News provided the District an opportunity to respond. I would like to both respond to Ms. Linker's concerns, and also to say some things about our football and educational programs.

The trailer that Ms. Linker refers to in her letter does not belong to the district; it is privately owned. The District does not endorse that type of descriptive terminology.

From what I understand, football players within our district have routinely asked for opponents' decals after the game. In fact, an Idalou player asked for one of our players' decals after last years' Quarterfinal game. Our players had no issue with that. I have every reason to believe there was no animosity or taunting involved in this request.

I have watched our players play every game this year. In fact, I have had the privilege to watch these players play since they were in middle school. I have also worked with our coaching staff throughout the years.

I must say that I am very proud of our players and the way they conduct themselves. I am proud of the way they play football on Friday nights. They play as a team, they play enthusiastically, they play disciplined, and they display good sportsmanship. I know for a fact that our coaches demand and expect our players to display good sportsmanship, and will re-direct players accordingly when the need arises. Our coaches understand that the lessons learned from athletic participation are lessons that can be applied to success in life.

The schools in our district strive for high quality production in every activity in which we are a part of. Our instructional program, our athletic programs, our UIL program, our band program, our FFA program--every program in which we are a part--we strive for excellence. We are recognized for the excellence of our programs.

I look forward to our team's game with Refugio this Saturday night in the State Quarterfinals.

I wish them the best.

Buck Ford,

Superintendent

Dear Editor,

This weekend the Blanco Chamber of Commerce initiated the first "Purple Friday". Julie Dill and all of the people who put these events together deserve a huge thank you for all their work. Also, all of the shop owners went through extra expense and long hours to help make this event successful. It was beautiful!!! Well done!!!

The confusion over the purple lights on courthouse (or not) made way for some inaccurate information given to our patrons. Seems as if the town would have paved the way with purchasing the new purple lights for courthouse... before putting the burden of extra cost on the store owners. (Bob Boydston said he'd have a heart attack if the purple lights were purchase, due to cost... I guess it is a good thing they were not.)

The cheerleaders lead by the coaches of Super Squad of the Hill Country made everyone smile. Thank you, coaches and all the parents who encourage their girl’s participation.

Thank you Blanconians who give so much of themselves to make Blanco a better place to live.

Carrie Fellows,

Blanco, TX