LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: A Basin made proud...

Over the last week, we’ve seen local athletes venture across the Cascades to the Tacoma Dome to compete in the Mat Classic. The Columbia Basin Herald reached out and spoke with every wrestling coach in the area and we’re continuing follow up coverage on those wrestlers who did particularly well on the mats.  

Looking at the challenges these young athletes have faced, how can we not say how proud we are of their efforts? These are the same students who dealt with a lack of athletics during the pandemic while they toiled away at online schooling. The same students whose parents are navigating the challenges of a tough economy. The same students who are facing a social dynamic at school and in their pockets because their cell phones never give them a break from the ins and outs of high school — and sometimes middle school — drama. 

They’re doing all of this with a smile, a dose of gravitas and a healthy number of grins after a bout well-done on the mat. 

Look at the joy Moses Lake freshman Adelaide Alonso, who competed in the 105-pound weight class at the Mat Classic, showed in the photo we published last Friday. Her smile said not only that she knew she was victorious against her opponent, but that she was excited to be there representing the Mavs on the mat.  

Look at the dedication shown by the Lind-Ritzville-Sprague Broncos’ Brock Tracy as he pinned his opponents on the other side of the state. Despite having a hard time finding opponents in his weight class, he was prepared, determined and proud to represent his school.  

Wrestling wasn’t the only thing happening on the West Side. The Mavs went across the cascades to swim as well, with every athlete making a personal record of one sort or another while they were there.  

I’m sure we’ll see similar effort as state basketball competition heats up. Just look at the Moses Lake Christian Academy Covenant Christian School Lions taking first in districts. It’s going to be an exciting ride for our local athletes.  

We may all be stressed about the price of groceries, gas and housing, but I think it’s important to put that off to the side for a few minutes. Make it a point to congratulate and encourage these young athletes who have worked so very hard to make us all proud as a community. They’ve gone out and earned hardware and shown us a ray of hope that says that the Basin has done a great job in raising them and instilling a sense of competition, sportsmanship and integrity.  

Congratulations to all of the local athletes that have made it to represent us in Tacoma and elsewhere. Know that the folks here at the Columbia Basin Herald are dang proud of you and we can’t wait to see the excellence you continue to put into this world.  

In admiration, 

R. Hans “Rob” Miller
Managing Editor