Who could be trusted more than Decker?
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Editor,
As a Ronan High School alumna and a former cross country member, I cannot stand by and say nothing about the current situation plaguing my former high school.
The school board has recently found an unclear conflict of interest regarding Gale Decker being both the Lake County Superintendent of Schools and the Ronan High School head cross country coach. However, the Lake County Attorney claims there is no such conflict as long as protocol is being met. My question is, who could we possibly trust more than Gale Decker to meet protocol?
In my opinion, even the attempt to remove Decker from the position of head cross country coach is laughable. The message being sent to the kids in the Ronan school system is that the school board is attempting to take away one of the very few people in the school who cares more about the kids and their lives than politics. The students in this area have a hard enough time living with and believing the substandard goals set for them, and to take a man like Decker away from them would be detrimental.
Ask nearly any current or former Ronan cross country member why they chose the sport and it won’t be because they “love to run.” Their response will be because the team is like a family and that family atmosphere is thanks to Gale Decker. This man has touched so many lives, offered support and encouragement to countless individuals, and has taught lasting life-lessons to many members of this community.
From him, I have learned that we have the ability to make our goals reality, no matter how big or small, with hard work and dedication. From him, I have learned the significant yet subtle difference between being part of a team and belonging to a family. When I took a public speaking course in college and was required to give a commemorative speech, I commemorated Gale Decker because he has touched my life in a way I will never forget. He truly believes the students of Ronan High School can accomplish great things and he is willing to help them achieve any way he can.
But these are all personal reasons why I believe the school board is making a mistake.
If these reasons aren’t enough, I urge members of the community to take five minutes and walk in the Ronan Event Center. Look up at the last four state championship banners — all coached under Gale Decker. Do we want to send the message to our students that we don’t want them to be champions?
Briana Malmquist
Ronan
