Ted,
The other
day I had the pleasure of taking my nephew to a Varsity Baseball
game at Pat Colpitt Field. After getting to the facility, we were
allowed to go into the dugout before the game and meet some of
the players getting ready to take the field. My nephew and I were
welcomed with open arms and greeted with respect and warmth. He
even got to take a picture with his favorite player, Blake Burd.
I was struck by the class that these young men showed in welcoming
my nephew into their environment. I got to thinking and it suddenly
hit me that every athletic venue that I have taken either my nephew
or children to has had the same feeling attached to it. Whether
it be watching Seth Boomer, Brett Erickson, or Levi Draper carry
themselves with class on Sallee Field, boys and girls basketball
continually achieving both success and respect on the court, wrestlers
continuing to push forward a tradition deep in titles and academic
achievement, or simply baseball players taking their time to take
a picture; the thread of maturity and class has been the constant.
The real value of an education at Collinsville seems to be connected
with carrying oneself with class. The teachers and coaches that
impact the lives of these kids are evident by the product that
they produce. This product is not necessarily accomplishment but
character. I am proud to say that my family has moved back into
town. I am proud to say that my children will have the distinct
pleasure of having amazing teachers and coaches. We should all
take a step back and talk to these kids. We would quickly see
that our town is being represented by those who embody what Collinsville
means to me. They are honest, hardworking, genuine, and above
all else tough. It really is great to be a Cardinal.
Respectfully,
Matt Davison
A proud
Dad and Uncle
(3/28/2017) |