Playing Like Winners

To the Editor:

Over the past few years, I’ve taken my son to see a “shot coach” for basketball training at the Sheehan Center in Bridgeport. Last night, I decided since we hadn’t been there for awhile, to take the family — my son, daughter, and wife — to catch the Nighthawks varsity team play Kolby Cathedral. What I wound up with as far as an evening of basketball, exceeded any possible expectation that I could have imagined.

Our Nighthawks, faced with “home team” referees that made one feel like they were in the middle of a scene from the movie Hoosiers, battled through this game with a level of courage, strength, and fortitude like I’ve never before witnessed in a high school game. This was no ordinary rivalry game between two top-ranked teams; this was an all out fight to the finish, which ended in the narrowest of losses, 63-62, for the Hawks.

I’d like to tell all of these players how proud I felt in the stands as a Newtown parent and resident. It was quite apparent from the onset that every person on that court put out 100 percent of their effort for 100 percent of the game. I’ve tried to instill this kind of “heart” during the years I have coached young players in this town and you were all an inspiration to me. It was obvious that losing this game was a great disappointment and frustrating to you all, but you guys have nothing to be regretful about, you played like champions. Hold all your heads high in the knowledge that even with some factors going against you, this team pulled together and showed everyone present what you are all made of.

Best of luck to all of you for the rest of your season; you are all winners in my book.

Rob Hoffman

9 Brandywine Lane, Sandy Hook                           February 10, 2010