Nov 15, 2014 3 min read

In response to a letter written by William C. Bruan Jr., published Nov. 2 in the Observer-Reporter:

Most likely, the people who read your letter will take it for granted that what was written is the absolute truth about Mr. Ed Dalton and his disrespect for the Washington High School football program and WPIAL officials.

When public comments are made today about anyone, the respect of that person is lost to many who read the negative remarks. Whatever job that person holds is affected by those remarks.

Coach Dalton has filled a void in McGuffey athletics with leadership and a desire to make our program better for all the school’s programs. McGuffey has not had many opportunities to have a bonfire for a successful football program in many years and Mr. Dalton coached our players to a playoff position.

At the bonfire, mostly high school kids, teachers, parents and grandparents came together to support a group of young, talented players prepare to play one of the better local teams.

No disrespect was displayed by Coach Dalton toward the Washington players or their team name as some insinuated. If the McGuffey superintendent and other administrators sent an apology to someone on the Washington School Board over remarks he made about the game, shame on them.

Their actions were harmful and unjust to Coach Dalton’s credibility and character. As for Coach Dalton’s remarks immediately after the game, they were his honest reflection of what happened in the loss, not ludicrous comments as presented in the article. Officiating is always a concern in any sport and is always a WPIAL concern.

When officials “over-officiate” the calls have an influence on the outcome of a game and we have seen this many times in high school, colleges and professional sports. At the high school level today, coaches such as Ed Dalton have been seeking to let players have an equal opportunity to highlight the sport and not the officiating.

I am sure the WPIAL will review the Washington-McGuffey game film and other playoff games to review the performance of officials as well as concerns raised by coaches at the game.

I am a fan of youth sporting events and will continue to watch these young kids mature to adulthood accomplishments in life. They control their destiny and sports will contribute to their success. But an education is also an advantage. Life must be balanced with respect and appreciation for the influences of the coach and teacher. We the spectators must obey the rules of conduct at every sporting event and hold ourselves accountable for our actions before, during and after the events. Let the coaches, officials and players participate in the sport without ridicule, harassment or verbal abuse. You are there to enjoy the sport and the competition among young athletes.

Charlie Kern

Claysville