Lady Bearcats don't disappoint

To the Editor:

It was our pleasure and privilege to serve as the local team hosts for the Dexter Lady Bearcats Basketball Team during their participation in the 2013-2014 State High School Basketball Championship Tournament in Columbia this past weekend.

Certainly we want to congratulate the players and their coaches on their excellent season and second place finish in the Class 4 Division. We also want to acknowledge the Dexter students and the many others present who kept Mizzou Arena invigorated with their support for the Bearcats. We particularly want to salute the Bearcat Cheerleaders and their role in energizing the players and their fans. The entire Dexter community should be abundantly proud of the outstanding way in which Lady Bearcats represented themselves, their school, and their community.

The official account of the 2013-2014 Class 4 Girls Championship will record that the Dexter Bearcats placed second; however they were first among those teams competing with "home-grown" players. Perhaps the highest purpose of high school athletics is to teach young people the value of working together toward a common goal and then see them dedicate their efforts and develop their skills and talents toward achieving the best outcome of which they are capable. The Lady Bearcats fully realized that purpose; particularly the seniors who have seen their efforts rewarded and have served as excellent examples for their other teammates.

One of the "perks" of being a team host is that you have the best seat in the house on the team bench where you can see high school basketball played at its highest level and the Lady Bearcats don't disappoint. They are very very good, individually and as a team. No one can deny their effort, their sportsmanship, and their respect for each other, their coaches, the officials, and their opponents. Their stewardship exemplifies what is best about high school sports. Another team host "perk" is the opportunity to get to meet the kids, and in this regard, the Lady Bearcats certainly don't disappoint. This group is simply delightful!

With warm regards, best wishes, and fond remembrances for the Dexter High School Lady Bearcats, we are:

Jack Cronhardt and Steve Morris

Team Hosts, Dexter High School Lady Bearcats