To the editor:

As the high school sports seasons are in transition, please give me the opportunity to share a thought on this past winter season.
The Mt. Hope High School gymnastics team had, as usual, another successful season.

No, they didn't win another championship. But if success can be defined as battling through injuries, illness and so many other obstacles to put everything that you have in you, to reach such a high level anyways, there is not a doubt that the coaches and gymnasts are champions again. The most successful athletic team at the school for the past decade is still on top.

Coaches Daniello and L'Heureux should be thrilled, and I'm sure they are, with what their gymnasts accomplished this season. They, along with their girls, have built something that is so positive. Note to any prospective gymnast at or soon to be attending MHHS, you want to be a part of this team.

There is no limit to all of the good things that I could say about the graduating seniors on this team. How they have included and accepted their younger teammates as part of this team is so impressive. These girls are role models in so many ways. Just as they learned how it was done by those that were so successful before them, they have passed the baton to the future. Well done, Brooke, Maria, Nora and Reese! There are many coaches and parents who are so proud of you.

My admiration for these girls comes from a unique perspective. As a parent of a member of this team, this is what I see. As a former football, baseball and hockey guy, I thought that I knew what hard work and dedication was all about. I thought I knew what fighting through adversity was. But, what I didn't know is that there is no tougher nor more dedicated athlete than a gymnast. There are no Friday Night Lights, no injury table, no packed bleachers. Not a lot of media coverage in gymnastics.

None of that mattered to this team. They just love what they did and loved their teammates.

So, yes, another successful season! And thank you for showing what a true team is about.

Andrew Nash
Brook Farm Dr.
Bristol