Letter: Gators get a bad rap

Friday, Jan. 15, 1999 | 11:50 a.m.

Spencer Patterson missed the boat with his article "Green Valley Blues." Plenty of opinion, very few facts. Let me help him out.

Fact: Carroll Johnston did indeed establish the most successful high school athletic department in Nevada high school sports during the decade of the 90s. Fact: The rich tradition established during Mr. Johnston's tenure as principal has continued under the present GVHS principal, Betty Sabo.

Fact: In the year and a half Ms. Sabo has been at the helm, the school has won 18 conference championships, 10 divisional crowns, 5 state runner-up titles, and 9 state championships. Hardly a program in decline.

Fact: Despite the challenges of personnel issues experienced this year, despite continued negative press and despite a constant barrage of criticism from a handful of individuals whose personal agendas might well be questioned, the athletic program at Green Valley High School continues to rise above it all and achieve success.

Fact: The great majority of students, parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators in the Green Valley High School educational community are first-class people. They are individuals who work hard to achieve and maintain a successful school environment.

Fact: There will always be disgruntled individuals in every environment who enjoy pointing out the negative.

MARK COLEMAN

Henderson