LETTER: Behavior at game brings to mind lessons of sage coach

To Ozaukee Press:

It is hard to parse through all the layers of poor judgment and perhaps mean spirit surrounding the recent boorish behavior exhibited by some of our Port Washington High School basketball fans. 

We each have our own thoughts about many of the issues.

I offer this perspective as something we might all understand deep down in our bones:

When I started Little League, our team “developed” under the guidance of a wise coach, Danny Schalmo.

Toward the end of our third season, we were undefeated and slated to face another undefeated team.

Some of us were mouthing off about various players on the other team, saying things like “Those guys are losers” and worse.

At practice, Danny overheard the chatter. 

“All of you circle up,” he said.  “We need to have a talk.” Danny took a long pause to get our attention, then said, “It’s never a good idea to say disparaging things about the other team. First of all, it will make them angry and motivated.

They will come at you with both barrels.  Secondly, remember this: Without those guys you don’t have a game.”

Some years later, Vince Lombardi told his guys, “When you go into the end zone, act like you’ve been there before.”

In other words, be graceful. Both of those coaches understood that sports and life are not about winning and losing. 

They are about the struggle and effort, and about being true to yourself and to others.

Howard Hinterthuer
Port Washington