Rivals by Tommy Greenwald (the speed reading book txt) 📗

encouraged a student at Walthorne South Middle School to overcome a failing grade through improper means. This is absolutely not true, I would never do such a thing, but I confess that I may not have been as judicious in my words as I should have been, and it appears that the student misinterpreted my intentions. I regret this action, but it should in no way reflect poorly on this particular student, or any student at Walthorne South, who are all battling budget cuts, financial struggles, and other obstacles as they strive to get an education and better themselves. Therefore, to avoid being a further distraction, I have decided to step down as Head Basketball Coach and Director of Physical Education, effective immediately. I will have no further comment on this matter.”

There have been reports that the student in question was suspended from school as well as the team, but school officials refused to confirm this.

As of this writing, the school has not named a successor to Mr. Walters.

WALTHORNENEWS.COM

PROWLING WITH THE PANTHERS

A SPORTS BLOG BY ALFIE JENKS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Hi again everyone, it’s Alfie, back to talk (well actually write about) sports.

Usually, I write about how the local school teams are doing, because that’s what I always thought sports reporting was: giving the scores and describing what happened. But now, I’m realizing that there is more to it than just what happens on the court, or on the field. And today, I want to focus on another topic.

And that topic is: Have we gotten too serious about sports?

This is hard for me to say because I love sports so much. No one is more intense about sports than me! I’ve never been very good at playing them, but they are definitely the most important part of my life, except for my family, of course. And I have so much respect for everyone who plays, or coaches, or referees or umpires, or works in sports in any way. Especially sports for kids, because a lot of people are volunteering their time.

But I’ve noticed that when it comes to youth sports, sometimes people forget that these are just kids playing a game. Whether it’s parents screaming at the referee, or coaches screaming at the players, or even kids screaming at each other, sometimes the last thing you think about when you’re watching sports these days is that it’s supposed to be FUN.

I was reminded of that this week when it was announced that the legendary Coach Walters resigned from Walthorne South Middle School after rumors surfaced that he encouraged a star basketball player to cheat so he could pass a class and stay on the team. I do not know if the coach actually did that or not, and if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s to make sure to report only the facts and to not jump to conclusions. But I think we can all agree that just the fact that it’s even possible—that a coach may have told a player to cheat—shows that the pressure on thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds playing sports has gone too far. Last week, it was discovered that an athlete was still enrolled at Walthorne North just so she could play on the basketball team, even though she had moved out of the district months ago. And earlier this season, a star athlete on Walthorne North’s basketball team was badly injured after he was allowed to play hurt.

If you ask me, these are all examples of youth sports spinning out of control. I think we all need to look in the mirror—myself included—and ask ourselves why kids’ lives are being turned upside down for something that’s supposed to be done for enjoyment and exercise!

I love sports, and I always will. But just because we love something doesn’t mean it’s perfect. I love my parents, too, and they’re DEFINITELY not perfect.

Sorry Mom and Dad!

WALTHORNESPIRIT.COM

Sunday at 7:20 pm

Chase Hey yo, who is this Alfie Jenks person

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Sunday at 7:23 pm

Lucas Why

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Sunday at 7:27 pm

Chase I heard he ratted out your best player and got him kicked off the team

That’s freakin hilarious

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Sunday at 7:29 pm

Amir First of all Alfie is a girl

And second of all what do you care

Aren’t you the kid who doesn’t even go to North

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Sunday at 7:32 pm

Chase Whatever

I still think it’s awesome

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Sunday at 7:35 pm

Alfie That’s not what happened

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Sunday at 7:38 pm

Kevin This kid Alfie is like a one-man wrecking crew

Even if she is a girl ☺

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Sunday at 7:39 pm

Clementine What is that supposed to mean

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Sunday at 7:42 pm

Kevin I mean come on

First she accuses our coach of making Clay play hurt, and so Austin ends up taking the blame, and then the thing happens with Sophia Vargelle. We thought this Alfie kid was just going after North kids, but nope, now she gets YOUR best guy kicked off the team and your famous coach resigns in disgrace, I mean c’mon that’s WILD right??

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Sunday at 7:44 pm

Sham You don’t know what you’re talking about

We are dealing with it over here just stay out of it

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Sunday at 7:47 pm

Ashley Sophia is my best friend and she was so devastated

It wasn’t her idea, she was just doing what people told her to do

And now everyone thinks she’s just a cheat

You guys at south should be ashamed of yourselves

I’m glad it came out that you’re cheaters too

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Sunday at 7:51 pm

Sham You all really need to stop yapping right now

Carter is THE MAN and he owned up to his mistake right away

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Sunday at 7:54 pm

North4Eva Yeah after he got caught

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Sunday at 7:59 pm

Austin This is just not cool

Everyone needs to chill out

Carter was cool with me after the Clay thing

I hope he’s doing alright

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Sunday at 8:03 pm

Chase Austin, why you