Bangor- Brewer Round 2

I suppose this could be written about in my Sports Blog but this is not really about sports. After the negativity and concern of the last post I thought writing one about last night's Bangor Brewer basketball game at Red Barry gym would be good medicine. This game and the activity surrounding it provided a glimpse of a positive experience of our youth.

The game between two of the best teams in the state was played in front of a packed house, the doors closed at 6, an hour before game time as capacity was reached. The Brewer contingent, having traveled across the river, was large and confident.

My son played in the freshman game before the largest crowd he had seen all year as many people got there early to insure they had a seat. That game was well played and competitive before Bangor won in the end. The JV game was a full scale blow out as Bangor won by a score doubling Brewer. It makes me wonder with Bangor's varsity only graduating one senior how Bangor will be able to find playing time for all of the incredibly talented kids they have next year.

The varsity game was well played on both sides with Bangor winning by 13 after a dominating inside game by Bangor's frontline.

What I want to talk about however are the kids. The crowds chanting back and forth at each other in good natured fun. The players playing hard but with good sportsmanship throughout. The cheerleaders cheering, the fans clapping, the parents and adults for the most part being responsible and setting a good example. I am sure not all of the kids at last nights game are angels but last nights game reminded me of my youth. We all went to the games, we were not angels either but we were good kids. It was a time when school spirit was just assumed. I was pleased to see it from both student sections last night.

Many people criticize sports and I am sure that many disaffected youth exist in these schools. It is true that often times the kids who are at these games playing, cheering, experiencing the event are the ones who are already ingrained in the positive culture of the school. I am not a social scientist I do not know how to bring the rest of the students into the circle.

I just know that for those there it was a very positive experience, one I am glad my boys participate in.