I

believe our sports teams in Clark County need extra recognition this year, especially the Lady Cardinals basketball and the boys basketball teams from George Rogers Clark High School.

They not only put forth a great winning season but also a 40th District tournament win for both teams. I know that did not just happen without a lot of hard work from all the players, the coaches and the parents of these kids.

As I was writing this, I learned the Lady Cardinal won their first game in the 10th Region tournament. Go Lady Cards!

The boys are anticipating another win on Friday. I hope that  comes to fruition.

Since our kids graduated from high school, I have not paid as much attention to school athletics as I probably should have. Now that we have grandchildren in four different schools, I find myself once again paying closer attention to the scores.

I was so happy and impressed with these wins, I wanted to acknowledge them again.

The boys team had to push harder in an overtime game. During those times I always feel sorry for the losing team players because I know they would feel the heartache of defeat.

Winning is so much fun but losing is not. I am a competitive sort and I like it when I see kids wanting something badly enough to work for it.  

On the same note, I always feel so sorry for the team that loses. I think it is good when parents teach them to handle losses well. No matter what happens in the district, let us all let them know how proud we are of them.

I can not finish this column without mentioning how happy I am that the Upward basketball league was a huge success in its first season. My grandson was so happy to have played on one of the teams. He knew the agony of defeat when his team lost in the championship game of the season. 

However, what the whole season was all about was what I loved most. The guy who spoke at the end of the final game let them know that life was about more than winning a ball game and receiving a trophy. 

He told them in God’s eyes, there are no losers.  

I loved all that the Upward basketball program was about. It was about building good men and women in the future. The athletes were taught respect for others and spiritual growth.  

I want to say thank you to all who had any part in this program and what a wonderful program it was. 

This year exceeded their expectations and I can not imagine what the future holds.  

I just hope every year will exceed their expectations.

To all our sports teams in Clark County, I hope you are teaching your kids to enjoy being an athlete and let them know none of them are losers.  

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in the Kiddville area. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active in her church, First United Methodist Church, and her homemakers group, Towne and Country Homemakers.