Award denied as incentive?!Luke Phillips, number 26, running back for the Mt. Markham Mustangs varsity football team, did not receive an “A Team” or “Coaches” award for his excellent team effort and for rushing over 800 yards for his team during the 2006 football season. His stats are as follows: Defensively – one fumble recovery, 38 assisted tackles, 18 solo tackles; offensively – three receptions for 42 yards and one touchdown, 164 carries for 809 yards, one fumble and three touchdowns. The excuses we received at the football banquet from Coach were as follows: 1.) Coach complained that Luke goofed around in the locker room. 2.) We are not saying Luke was not good out on the field, but he only applied himself in the last two games. Who was it then that kept the ball in the end zone at each game except for the two games he was unable to play due to a pulled muscle in his leg? 3.) Luke handed in his pads after an incident that took place after Adirondack vs. Mt. Markham. Luke apologized to his teammates and coaches. This was not good enough; he was then told “how” he was supposed to apologize. Instead, Luke “handed” in his pads. He called their bluff. This was not expected, so his teammates were told to go talk to him about doing the right thing on behalf of the team. Luke went back and shook each of the coaches’ hands and looked them in the eye just as they wanted. Thus, Luke remained on the team. Luke’s father asked Coach if what he did for the team was not needed (yardage etc.). Coach stated that they hoped he would learn something from not getting an award and maybe he would try harder next year. No, football is not Luke’s life, as he informed Coach during the apology ordeal. But Luke plays football hard and speaks of it often. Suck ups we are not and never will be! Coach was informed of this during our chat as well, but most people know this about us. We sleep very well at night. It really comes down to: Did they or did they not need Luke on the team to do so well this season? We think the “handing in the pads” situation speaks for itself. But to give Luke any glory they could not find it in their hearts to do. Because putting Luke in his place was on their minds. Yes, Luke is stubborn. He comes by it rightly. Would they really want a passive player on the field? We would not be writing this if we, Luke’s parents, did not think he deserved an award for his impressive statistics and efforts, because he did. We know this and we are proud of our son! Luke knows that we will always be there for him. He is a fine young man with a good heart and great ability. Incentive means: Encourage, motivate, stimulate one to take action. Anyone who came to any of our football games knows that Luke worked hard, was motivated and took action! Many people complimented Luke on his efforts and games well played. He was in the local papers and his name was constantly mentioned on the loud speaker at games. Congratulations to all who received awards and played football. We are proud of you! As for the coaches, we are disappointed, but you already know this. You are just not used to having people call you on it. It seems to us that you would appreciate a young man who let you know who he was, rather than be who you wanted him to be. The whole team would have benefited from the support and protection that you “handed” only to certain players. Fair? No! Life? Yes. Leslie V. and Jodi L. Phillips Ilion
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