Something about athletics and public school systems. Their supporters argue athletics provide an avenue for creating interest and achievement on the part of students who might not otherwise feel challenged.

Their detractors argue there is too much money spent on facilities and programs; the funds would be better spent in and around the classrooms.

 

Becker Schools athletes have put an exclamation point on the former argument.

 

Not one. Not two. Not three, but four high school varisty teams have won their way into their respective state tournaments.

 

The boys football team, under the continued guidance of Dwight Lundeen, nailed down their second consecutive state Class 3AAA championship in November.

 

The girls gymnastics team, coached by Jen Harmoning, won their way into the state Class A tournament, then finished third.

 

 The girls basketball team, coached by Paul Lindsay, came from improbable circumstance and won their way to the state Class 3AAA tournament, finishing fourth.

 

And Thursday, the girls softball team, coached by Jason Baune, beat out Dassel-Cokato in a double championship game affair to ascend again to the state Class 3AAA tournament in Mankato.

 

For all these things to happen, a system needs excellent leadership and support of the parents. It needs athletes who are athletic - and don’t take it for granted by learning every day in practice and then practicing it at gametime.

 

I believe a few years back Becker High School had three teams make it to the state tournaments in their respective sports.

 

But this takes the cake.

 

Becker High School can be tremendously proud of its sports traditions. They are looked upon enviously by those whom they continually prevail over.

 

Add the good sportsmanship and fair play that is the utmost goal of athletic competition, and you have something fantastic.

 

It’s here to be enjoyed.

 

And stand as a goal for future squads.

 

Congratulations, Bulldogs. This school and Class of 2016 has been another cream of the crop.

 

We shouldn’t only point our attention to success on the athletic fields or courts as an indicator of the success of Becker students.

 

Their fine arts programs continue, deservedly, to get wonderful attention.

 

The robotics teams continue to excel, going to state and national competitions. For that, we do a shout-out to the community members and organizations which have stepped in to support them.

 

But there was no more telling and poignant message than that given by Commencement Speaker Kaylene Kruse last weekend when she asked several of her classmates to stand and be recognized for their work within school.

 

Difference makers, they are.

 

And we can be proud of all of them.