CC shows outstanding sportsmanship

Dear Editor,
On behalf or our football officiating crew, I want to thank the parents, players, and coaches for outstanding sportsmanship!
Last Friday, our football officiating crew had the privilege to work the Chase County vs. Holdrege football game. While neither team has hopes for a state championship this year, the effort and sportsmanship on the field and off was evident. The National Federation of State High School Association states, “through athletics and performing arts, students learn essential life skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, self-confidence, hard work and fair play.” That was no more evident than during the contest on Friday night.
I had many interactions with the players and coaches from Chase County as I was positioned on their sideline. To watch the joy, effort, and passion for coaching and playing the game was fun to watch. Like most players and coaches who compete, as an official I know I didn’t work a perfect game. Yet the respect that was afforded to me never hinted at my shortcomings.
The clincher for me for the night was when we left the field. Some Longhorn players went out of their way to thank us for working the game. On top of that, a Longhorn parent was waiting for us with a goodie bag. These examples of sportsmanship and caring for others is why communities like Imperial and the Chase County public schools turn out future leaders that are ready to make a difference.
Thank you!
Dave Behle
HS Football Official
Kearney, NE