Editorial
Good sports
The sports program at Oakmont Regional High School is off to a

great start this year.

The program, which suffered earlier this decade because of low participation brought about by high user fees, has grown in terms of participation and awards.

This Saturday the football team will compete in the Central/Western Massachusetts Division III Superbowl. It's a remarkable achievement for the hardworking players and coaches, and the supportive parents who have put in dedicated efforts behind the scenes.

Win or lose, the Spartan football team should be proud of how far they've come and will carry their school's name with pride.

But one of the greatest honors of the season may in fact go to the young men on the varsity soccer team. The team lost to Leicester in the district semifinals held in Auburn on Thursday, Nov. 9, yet they were honored for their sportsmanship. It takes a lot for MIAA officials to notice one team over all the others.

Webster's defines "sportsman" as "one who exhibits qualities especially esteemed in those who engage in sports, as fairness, courtesy and good temper."

The sportsmanship award is something the entire community should take pride in, especially in a day in age when college football players are brawling on the football field and parents are being arrested for trading punches at youth games.

The soccer players have competed together for different teams, for different coaches and in a variety of leagues for many years. They didn't just learn to show honor and respect to their fellow players, the referees and their opponents in August when they started practicing - they've been learning those values and skills over the course of many years.

Respect is not just something a team displays on the field, but it is something they will carry through the halls of their schools and their work place well beyond their sports seasons.

Honor is something each athlete should feel when he or she puts on the jersey. It comes not just from competing well, but from exhibiting sportsmanship on and off the field.

The Oakmont football players should feel a sense of pride and duty as they carry on their school's estimable traditions.

Go Spartans.