Letters to the Editor
Billies' fan hopes for brighter days

Another year of Williamsville South football has come and gone. At the last game, I finally had a chance to pick up an official program and roster. I was shocked to find the true magnitude of the fall from respectability this program has taken. The Billies are "seven for the century," seven regular-season wins, 49 losses in seven years beginning with the 2000 season. A little more than 10 years ago, they were one of the top-rated programs in the state; now other teams check off South games as automatic wins. The district/school administration, staff and parents should be ashamed and embarrassed by what has happened, given that the district prides itself on being a leader in educational excellence.

I'm not suggesting that this be a matter of athletics over academics. The two need not be mutually exclusive. Just look at local districts such as Orchard Park, Clarence and East Aurora, all excellent academic institutions with winning traditions. Nor is this a case of winning at all cost, but instead, one of providing young men an honest op- portunity to compete at a respectable level.

There were a number of bright spots this fall that lend some sense of encouragement. The coaching staffs, beginning with the head coach, have the dedication and know-how to turn things around. However, they can't do it on their own. Players need to be actively involved in the off-season and above all else listen to their coach's advice. Parents should continue to encourage and support their sons. Insist that administrators and staff listen and give serious consideration to constructive suggestions for improvements and upgrades. By all means don't wait until August 2008 to get started. If you do, it will be too late and you'll be faced with yet another season of disappointment. Next year begins today.

Roger L. Wise

Patton Place Williamsville