To the editor:

To a small group of dedicated coaches, proud parents, friends and truly amazing student athletes, this is not a news flash. The Mt. Hope High School gymnastic team just completed an outstanding and memorable season.

To the Mt. Hope High School community, athletic department, administration and the regional school district, you missed out on what represents the best of what high school athletics is all about. But more about that later.

This past weekend our team completed the season, finishing in third place in the state meet. This after a one-win season a year ago. The turn around was remarkable, but not a surprise to those of us who watch how this team operates.

However, the full story about this team is not found in the win/loss column. The essence of this team is the  idea of team and sport itself. Dedication to what they do, responsibility to one another, pride in their accomplishments and determination to reach a higher level. The girls checked all of the boxes. And by the way, they did this with smiles, tears and a love for one another. Whether or not they know this now, they have created a bond with one another and their admirers for a lifetime. Among those admirers are a group of young athletes coming up through Kickemuit Middle School who will be thrilled for the chance to build on the legacy of what is, by all accounts, the most successful athletic program at the school for the past decade. The future is so bright. And I will continue to be a fan.

I ask the Mt. Hope community to support this team in a way that our athletic director, principal and superintendent have not. All absent from what this team and these coaches have accomplished. These girls are everything that our high school should support. Sportsmanship? Yes. Respect among their peers? Yes. Honor in being a Huskie? Without question. These are young ladies who are, as gymnasts, as tough as nails. As individuals, first-rate. As daughters, people that their parents are so proud of. What a shame that our school has not recognized this. Their loss.

To our Mt. Hope High School gymnastics team, a final tip of the hat. You have made us proud beyond any way that you can imagine. Keep your spirit. Keep your pride and love for one another.  You are the shining light of Mt Hope High School athletics is so many ways.

Andrew Nash
Bristol