Bulldog athletics need your support
We graduated the last of our four recently. In that bittersweet moment, 25 years of watching them deal with competing, winning, losing and growing all the while flashed by.
The last 10 of those years we have been privileged to share the tears of defeat at two-bit fields in Billings, Cat and Dog fights resembling street brawls, and even been serenaded by chain saw wielding Loggers. We equally exulted to bursting in triumphs over those same foes on sweeter days.
As the last one crosses the stage, it has all gone by too fast and we would do it all over again at the drop of a hat. For all of you Bulldog parents and parents to be out there, savoring the tears, laughs and full range of emotions as your dear children grow is the easy part.
As we graduate from parent to mere supporter of Whitefish youth programs, my appeal to our community is to ensure we provide enough resources in support of the young athletes, artists and scholars our teachers, coaches and mentors lead.
This spring, Pat Dryden and Chris Schwaderer were respective forces of one coaching the boys and girls tennis teams. Each took on the daunting challenge of both the varsity and JV teams without any assistants. They responded wonderfully and 60 kids learned to love and compete in a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives, won many, beat Polson in a dual for the first time in many years, and planted the seeds for future success for many underclassmen.
None the less, the lack of coaching depth in tennis when compared to every Class A and several Class B schools we faced over the season was a reminder that many of our activities programs remain under resourced when compared to other Montana schools. The small stipends and support packages offered to staff and support each of our sports and activities pay back many times over. Coaches throw themselves into their kids, give much more of themselves than they receive and make a fundamental improvement in the quality of life for our entire community.
We know all of our children here in the Fish are above average. Our children who get engaged and inspired in speech and debate, band, football, track, soccer, tennis and on down the line are exceptional. On snow covered pitches in October and bright spring days in May, they represent our community, while inspiring themselves and their peers.
Victories will be embellished, and losses bitterly lamented at gatherings in the Northern, the Bulldog or on future sidelines for many years to come. We rally around them, share in all triumphs and disasters, and regret when the all too short seasons come to an end.
Teddy Roosevelt talked about credit belonging to the athlete in the ring, competing, bloody and bowed but getting back in the ring and competing nonetheless. Just like life. We accept the privilege of allowing our children to compete, hopefully compete to win with grace and humility, and I suggest that our role as parents, alumni and citizens is to provide a reasonable level playing field through adequate support and staffing for each of our many activities.
We look forward to the next phase of our lives in Stumptown, will continue to support our teams and programs and hope this is something we can all agree on amidst the many wonderful differences that yield a strong and vibrant community.
See you a sideline this fall and for many years to come. Go Dawgs!
— Gary & Annell Danczyk