Charlo community, team showed exceptional class
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Editor,
I want to express my deepest admiration to the school, community and football team of Charlo. The semifinal football game between the Vikings and the Mustangs presented me with more than a game-day experience. As the defensive coordinator for Ennis’ football team I was blown away at the class, generosity and kindness of the people of Charlo.
I have coached Ennis teams for 10 years. In the past two football seasons, these two teams have met deep in the playoffs. Ennis managed to come up with a victory on both occasions, but Charlo, in both circumstances, pulled out the more impressive win.
It is so easy for someone to be a good sport and conduct oneself with class when he is the victor. The difficulty comes in possessing the constitution to be a good sport and to exemplify “class” when one is the vanquished.
On Nov. 16, 2013 in Charlo, the semifinal game was a hard-hitting and fast paced display of athleticism from both teams. Despite being down 20 points in the first quarter, and 30 at the half, the fans and coaches never gave up on their boys, and the players never gave up on each other. No one was ever negative. Everyone displayed class. What a huge win for Charlo.
This is not something that happens by accident. Head Coach Mike Krahn fosters this behavior in his kids. The teachers, administration and community of Charlo foster this behavior. It is easy to see this from the opposite sideline.
Charlo deserved to win that game at least as much as Ennis did. But Charlo still won perhaps the greatest prize.
You have the deepest respect and admiration from an opponent. Your actions, including the delicious meal, the welcome, and the send off — all despite having lost a chance to host the State Championship game — sets Charlo apart from other schools.
Your community makes me so proud to be a coach. Thank you for fostering all the right ideals in your students/athletes and for modeling them so consistently — even when the chips are down. You have won the right to be considered a most feared, revered, and respected opponent.
Kurtis Koenig
Ennis
