(On Oct. 1) I watched an Oregon youth football 8th grade game in Stoughton.
It was a closely fought game with the Stoughton team winning in the last minute with a punt return for a touchdown. I am sure the Oregon team was disappointed.
However, I was extremely disappointed that after the game, the Oregon players were not allowed to go out onto the field to shake hands with the Stoughton team.
What kind of a lesson are we teaching our children by not shaking hands at the end of a game?
Sportsmanship should be a number one priority in youth sports. “Building character” is a stated mission of the Oregon Youth Football Program.
This episode did not create a very positive image for Oregon athletics, nor was it a good example for our youth.
Jim Wallace
Village of Oregon