Dogie proud
When considering the success of high school sports teams, the first thing that probably comes to mind is their win/loss record, the titles they’ve won and whether they’ve put a banner on the wall.
Definitely those things indicate a level of accomplishment for a squad, however, there is something else to consider and I believe that it is just as important — or maybe more so — than those accolades.
I am talking about the character that a team demonstrates as they represent their school around the conference and the state.
We all know those teams who maybe don’t display the greatest character as they compete. Whether it’s playing dirty, or being cocky after making a good play, or mouthing off to officials or other players, when they display that kind of behavior, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth and gives you a less than pleasant view of the school, and town, they represent.
Fortunately for Newcastle, the programs at Newcastle High School and Newcastle Middle School don’t fall into the category of the above-mentioned athletic programs. We are all a bit partial to our Dogies and our Calves, but we aren’t the only ones.
It doesn’t matter how “successful” our team is, what everyone who is watching them compete can plainly see when they watch us play is the effort they put forth regardless of the score of a game. The way they present themselves off the court, as far as their appearance and behavior, and the respect they show to coaches, officials and players, is seen.
As head Dogie basketball coach Allen Von Eye and I discussed the recently completed 3A East Regional Tournament, the subject of the outstanding character of NHS programs came up, and Allen pointed out that Dogies command a great deal of respect around the conference.
“It is evident when you are in a gym where multiple teams are playing, like the regional tournament, that other schools have our backs. There is a reason why everyone but one school is cheering for one team and not the other,” he began. “I can’t tell you how many individuals who came up to me throughout the entire weekend and told me that they were rooting for us and wanted us to win.”
And this support came from many different people, representing several different schools. Von Eye pointed out why the Dogies get such wide-spread support.
“Number one, our kids carry themselves with class, starting from the way that we look when we first arrive. Our kids come into the gym and they look good,” Von Eye said.
Newcastle athletes also come correct.
“You don’t see them out there throwing a fit on the floor, they don’t run their yap after making a three, they respect the officials, the coaches and the other players. They just do things the right way and they always have.”
Overall, the athletic programs at NHS are all pretty well respected across the state because of the way they conduct themselves, and the effort they put forth, and that’s why other schools support them against other teams when it comes right down to it.
“That others want to see us succeed speaks volumes about the kind of kids we have here and that’s about as big of a compliment as you can get as a community,” Von Eye said. “I’m proud of our kids for continuing to do that, regardless of how great of a season we’ve had.”
Making the playoffs or getting to the state tournament are always goals that teams, or even individuals, strive to achieve, and when they fall short of those goals, there’s always a level of disappointment felt by players, coaches and fans. However, to be regarded as a high-class program that always represents Newcastle in a very great light is something to be very proud of. And that kind of character will actually do you more good in life than winning a state title in any sport.
