Last Week, undefeated Muskegon Orchard View hosted Kent City in a boys basketball game. The result was a predictable victory for Orchard View, 86-42. Let’s be honest – it was a route. In fact, the “mercy rule” came into effect with a running clock. Sometimes one team is just that much better than their opponent.
However, imagine being the coach on the losing end of that beat-down and then entering the locker room of the victorious team to provide encouragement. Kent City coach David Ingles did just that. He gave the undefeated team an inspiring pep talk, telling them to keep their priorities straight and work together as a team. The coach told the team that he thought they were something special and that he would be their biggest fan.
Joe’s Perspective: After witnessing this gesture, Muskegon Orchard View athletic director, Leroy Hackley simply stated, “This is why we do what we do.” Translation – sportsmanship is the most important aspect of high school sports. The previous year, Kent City was the undefeated team that made a deep run in the MHSAA tournament. This year their team is struggling. That fact shouldn’t keep a coach or a player from showing good sportsmanship. So, the message is clear. When you win, win with humility and when you lose, show some class. Doing so will be remembered much more than a simple win or a loss.
Your Turn: What is your reaction to this story on sportsmanship?
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I think it is a really nice story. I really hate losing personally, I am super competitive. I know no on likes losing and losing can especially suck when the other team rubs it in your face. Winning can also really suck when the other team shows poor sportsmanship and gives you reasons for why you won other than you really gave it your all.
This is a good reading because it explains that his brother was a great person and even after he died the coach still implemented his brothers life into every game.
I think this is a good story I am impressed by the sportsmanship from the other team.
I think that this is a really good story. This has a great meaning. That your opponent does not always have to be your enemy.
Every athlete should take a page out of this guys book. We should stop being rude to each other when we win or lose and just respect one another.
This is a good read because it is a great reminder for everyone that no matter win or lose, sportsmanship should always be shown from both sides.
my reaction to this story is that there is always an upside and a downside to things but the way that you look at it can effect everything there is always something that is going to happen it’s just how you handle and deal with what occurred
It’s good because it shows that whether you win or lose, you still try the best you can do and be a good sport.
I think this is an excellent example of leadership skill. Losing and winning are both equally parts of playing a game, and you have to be prepared to handle both. It was good of the coach to step in and give a pep talk when he saw his team struggling with this.
This story is so important because it shows how one bad game isn’t the end and you should always keep the goal in mind and keep going no matter what.
This is a great story that shows no matter if you win or lose, you are still giving 100%.
It was good because even though losing really sucks, there’s something to say about how you react and your actions afterwards.
this story inspired me that even when you lose one game it’s not over.
My reaction was that after you experience a defeat, it’s never over.
I think it’s awesome. It teaches you a lesson that even if you lose you still lessen and grow from it.
I think this was a good story and showed that not matter what your going through to always keep pushing forward and good things can happen from it.
I hate losing! I feel like this blog post pushed me to never give up after losing a game because there’s always a next play/game. It’s in the past let’s focus on the future not the past.
I think it was a great story and even if you are a losing team it all comes down to how hard you play and how bad you want it.
i agree with the fans because they pay to be there and with that being said, they pay for being apart of the audience.
I think this story was good because nobody likes to lose but it happens and you have to be able to handle it well.
Losing sucks but it plushies you to never give up and always push forward
I think it is good for you because then you learn a valuable lesson and can work harder next time to become better as well as lift each other and become stronger as a team.