Sometimes hugs and pats are good

Mountain meanderings

I have been lucky. The coaches I have worked with have been some of the best people I have ever met. They were knowledgeable about their sport, and they understood part of building a team was to encourage individual high school athletes.

After one of us set a goal and worked toward it for several weeks or an entire season — or even multiple seasons — my coaches might have given us a pat on the back.

In the rare case of a region or a state championship, they might have given us a hug.

After the recent controversy over some teachers' alleged inappropriate relationships with students, I hope this student-coach camaraderie will not change.

Many Valley students have been involved with sports. You all know the level of commitment required to win a region or state championship. The year-round decision to train, eat right, keep up in school, and attend practice is a healthy one, and it carries over into every other aspect of life.

Yet sometimes it is difficult to keep your focus. Maybe you get sick, or injured, or you don't even come close to your goal. If a pat on the back or a hug can encourage you to try again and perhaps succeed at accomplishing a set goal, that positive reinforcement is important.

The role of coaches and teachers is to be mentors to students and athletes. They help us identify our talents and encourage us to train toward reaching our potential as well as encourage us to constantly test ourselves.

Mentors are important because, in many cases, they have already been through what athletes are experiencing and can guide you.

In 1972, the public recognized the importance of these relationships and attitudes when it passed Title IX laws that demanded equal academic and athletic opportunities for women.

Because of the recent incidents at my school, all physical contact between teachers and students, coaches and athletes will be heavily scrutinized in the coming months.

Please, coaches and teachers, remember to keep things in context. I know a lot of my success in school has been based upon the concept of strong body and a strong mind.

I have set some very high goals, and have relied upon my coaches and teachers for encouragement. Although I will graduate at the end of this year, I hope my sister will have similar opportunities when she enters high school.

After spending 12 years in the public school system, I can tell you inappropriate relations between teachers, students, coaches and athletes are rare. An occasional pat on the back, or hug, is important, and I hope they will continue — especially while we try to determine what is and what is not appropriate in a public school.

Clare Baldwin will graduate this year after competing in Colony High School sports for four years. She lettered in Nordic skiing and cross-country running and is a frequent contributor to the Frontiersman.