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12:54 PM Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I have been a resident of Madison Twp. for more than 15 years and have always loved it here, but there was one thing I noticed that seemed a little lacking: School spirit and pride.

Now keep in mind that I am a proud graduate of Franklin High School and I attended during the golden years of football under coach John Aregood, basketball under coaches Dave Creech and Tom Benjamin, and baseball under coach Doug Long.

The Wildcat spirit and fever were everywhere. The school and community lived through the success and failures of these teams.

Now I am proud to say that same fever and spirit are thriving here in Madison Twp., thanks to the tremendous success of our boys and girls basketball programs. We are now living in the Mohawk Nation!

... But there is something way more important than their records, stats or on-court achievements: Representation. ... These fine young ladies and gentlemen do more than represent on the courts with their sheer talent, team work and dedication. They also make a great representation of how true student athletes should conduct themselves in the hallways of Madison High and our community.

These athletes are setting the tone for all. They are true role models, both on and, more importantly, off the court. ...

While most of the credit goes to these individuals, credit should also be given to their parents and, more importantly, their coaches. It’s very easy to go into a season and only care about talent, but to care about their grades and their character says a lot, and these two admirable coaches do just that. These athletes know what’s expected of them from the beginning and continue to represent throughout.

I want to take this opportunity — on behalf of the entire Mohawk Nation — to thank coach Jeff Smith, his staff, and their fine young men, and coach John Rossi, staff, and their fine young ladies for bringing the spirit and pride back to Madison. And greater thanks for truly giving our younger generation something to truly admire and respect. Thank God I’m a Mohawk.

Tracy Whiteman

Middletown

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