Letter: Granby Parent Applauds Lewis Mills Players

Submitted

An open letter to the Principal of Lewis Mills: 

The Granby Bears beat Lewis Mills in a thrilling game this weekend! I was so happy for my nephew who is in his senior year and headed to a division 1 program and proud of the team.  

I would like to comment on the Lewis Mills players. It was a heartbreaking loss and many of them were in tears after losing in the last few seconds. I believe they haven't won a game in years. This game WAS their super bowl and they lost in heartbreaking fashion. What I noticed during and after the game was amazing, particularly from the players at the end of the game. The captains stood at the fence with their heads held high and directed all the players into two lines, and had the team March back to the bus. The captains took control. Many of the Granby players and most of the Granby parents stood and cheered their resiliency, dedication and class. I had tears in my eyes. 

During the game I had watched from the sidelines as the entire team from Lewis Mills stood and cheered each play, high-fived each player who came off the field, and stood by each other at the end of the game. There was no blame, no screaming at each other for missing an assignment. Although they hadn't won a game all year, they embodied the phrase "Winning Team"! 

This is the way football should be played, not measured necessarily only in wins and losses. 

Football is, or should be a lesson in life. Dedication, hard work, perseverance and teamwork. Lewis Mills fell short on the scoreboard, but in my eyes they have already had a winning season. 

I am a small businessman, I work hard and have instilled in my kids respect and hard work.  I know what has to be done to succeed and I will tell you right now, those kids ARE successful already.  They get "IT"! 

My son was a two Year Captain at Granby and now plays college football, I will always cheer for the Bears however I am also now a ..... A Lewis Mills fan for life! 

Respectfully, 
Kevin Blake