Letters to the Editor 01/27/2010

To the Editor:

This year, I was hired as the new Sisters Middle School head wrestling coach.

I am taking it upon myself to help the sport of wrestling grow in the Sisters community. As with all things, wrestling must grow, and for it to grow you must start young. The Sisters community hasn't had a youth wrestling program for awhile, so the next best thing is to start in the middle school.

The SMS wrestling team consists of all middle school grades, 5-8. I can teach the ages of 10 to 15.

I approached the Sisters Park & Recreation District, and with their help I was able to have a one-week wrestling camp, in December before the holidays, to help kick off the season and also spark interest in the sport. The camp was open to first graders up to eighth graders. SPRD and I were very pleased with the turnout. Many of the older camp participants are now currently wrestling and doing well on the SMS wrestling team!

The SMS wrestling season started January 4, and we had our first match Wednesday, January 20 (see related story, page 13).

All the wrestlers seem to have a great desire to do their best, in meets and during practice. I am excited to see them learn and grow.

I am also very grateful to see how the parents are taking an interest in the sport. I have had four fathers contact me to volunteer to help with practice, and at the last tournament we had only one wrestler ride the bus home (his dad was helping the community as scoutmaster at the time). That means that our wrestlers had huge family support at the meet. How wonderful is that?

I am very excited for this young team. Stay tuned for more updates and scores. I also ask all of you to support youth sports programs in this great community. Please contact the local schools for information on upcoming games and matches.

John A. Downs

Sisters Middle School Wrestling Coach

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To the Editor:

Thank you for giving attention to the situation in Haiti!

The people of Sisters are known for rallying to help people in this community; I am aware of many people in Sisters moved to do what they can to reach out to the Haitian people during this latest crisis.

I know families that are finding out how to help the newly orphaned children, high school students raising funds to go to rebuild houses with Habitat for Humanity and at least one church is hoping to partner with a church in Haiti as they minister to the needs around them.

Countless others are staying informed and choosing carefully where to direct their financial contributions. Others are praying. It all makes a difference.

Thank you Sisters!

Cindy Uttley