Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

Scottie Volleyball

The biggest sports news this week, for me, is that the Lady Scottie volleyball team lost their district title due to a violation of a Montana High School Association (MHSA) rule.

Although I received the information in plenty of time to adjust the content of my section this week, I chose not to make any changes in what I had already prepared.

The bottom line: The girls deserve recognition.

MHSA is the entity that governs high school interscholastic activities in Montana. According to their website, their purpose is to ensure that interscholastic activities in Montana are administered fairly.

I think the sanction imposed on GHS by this governing body is anything but fair – at least the part that stripped the girls of their trophy.

Don’t get me wrong. It is clear that a rule was broken. It is also appropriate for MHSA to discipline the school for the infraction. And, it’s entirely possible that the sanction is consistent with what has been imposed in the past for similar violations. I can’t confirm that, however, as MHSA staff have yet to respond to my inquiry.

All that being said, our Lady Scotties won in Wolf Point. They earned the trophy. They earned the celebration.

This isn’t a life-changing event. Our Scotties are strong and determined and will do their best at the divisional tournament this weekend. The punishment meted out by MHSA does not diminish the talent they have as a team or their ability to prevail.

What this is, however, is a tough lesson learned. It is a demonstration of how high school and high school athletics prepare our children for what really happens in life.

From this point forward, we have the opportunity to teach them how to respond and react to disappointments. In this case: Take responsibility, continue to work hard, stay positive and continue to display outstanding sportsmanship.

Let’s rally around our student athletes and show some great support at the tournament!

 

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