Caribou – PI game lived up to expectations

To the editor:
    Over the past 25 years or so I have had the privilege of observing the incredible competition between the Caribou and Presque Isle basketball teams. I don’t know the statistics of who has won how many but I do know that just about every time I have seen this game the records go out the window and the real joy of athletics shines through. I must say that a great repeat performance was held last week.     Now I know that Caribou won and certainly that may play into my enthusiasm but I just had to comment on the bigger picture — the way the game was played. Perhaps at no other time in history have we had such a year where the superstar athletes have been in the headlines for things other than their skills as a player. Many people complain that it’s all about the money. Sports, no doubt, have changed. Still there is greatness in sports and no where is it more evident than in games like the Vikings and the Wildcats.
    The Caribou gym was filled to near capacity. The Caribou High School Band and Cheerleaders were adding to the intensity and atmosphere. Molly Bouchard sang a beautiful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” and the air was electric. Just before the game Sue White reminded fans and players of the great tradition that has become County Basketball and sport, that is, good sportsmanship. She asked that we all respect this tradition. Along the ceiling rafters were all the banners, championships and sportsmanship awards. Could this game, or any game, live up to this kind of emotional intensity? The simple answer is “Yes!”
    The game was one for the ages coming down to the last few seconds where either team had a chance to win. But who won really was not so much about what impressed me it was how the game was played and watched. From where I was sitting, close to the action in the season ticket seats, I never saw any player to player trash talk. I saw no over aggressive play, no “cheap shots.” Referees called a great game and I saw no disrespect for the officials. The fans too were under control. Sure there were cheers from both sides, back and forth. But all in good fun and with great team spirit and pride. When the game was over, it was over. I did not hear or see any signs of sour grapes, the players acknowledged each other like good sports, I’m sure with the recognition that there is another game to come.
    It might sound hokey but it was so nice to think about all the years I have watched this game and you know it is true, some things remain the same. All of us who live in Caribou and Presque Isle should be so proud of our young people for what they show us about why the culture and way of life we have here is so precious. There isn’t anyone who loves the magic of sports that would not have been moved by this game. It had everything and more.
    My congratulations to the players for their intensity and dedication. You don’t run and play like that for four quarters without committing to years of hard work. Congratulations also to the coaches who certainly have taught these players discipline and sportsmanship. Congratulations also to the fans. We know how intense the competition is but everyone acted like adults, how refreshing.
    When I was a kid growing up I used to wonder if the excitement and intensity I felt for sports and the way the game was supposed to be played could remain the same with all of the dramatic changes taking place all over the world. Well I got my answer that night at the Caribou High School gymnasium.
Bill Flagg
Stockholm