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Utherwise we need to take another look at football. Tony Hoffman has started a youth league team. This will be the team’s second season, but the rules require that players be under certain weight limits. In general the older the player the less he may weigh. That is not going to lead to a high school team unless a JV team is started first.
Which leads to a discussion of facilities. The soccer field is lumpy. It is not well maintained. Soccer in the spring conflicts with track in spring, and the track is in much worse shape than the soccer field. The school system should explore the smooth surface for the track made from recycled tires. The soccer field needs some sort of serious help.
Because improvements to the elementary school lagoon seem likely to cost nearly $100,000 less than earlier estimates, there may well be funds from the bonds for the elementary school addition available. It would make sense to use those funds to purchase more land, for a future middle or high school and for a future football field and track.
In the meantime the athletic program needs more operating funds. We have simply tried to get too much out of coaches, players, parents and fans for too small an investment of taxpayer funds. Most of the cost of providing officials for games should be included in the regular budget. Then ticket sales could be used for other needs. If the athletic boosters didn’t spend all their funds keeping our teams in uniforms, they could help raise funds for first class facilities.
Finally the elementary school needs expanded physical education. The students should have regular daily exposure to fitness training and opportunities to learn about athletics. Also elementary school physical education teachers should be expected to help out with high school coaching.
We wish the Leakes well in their future endeavors. We know that other children will benefit from their enthusiasm for teamwork and excellence. We thank them for giving so much to Rappahannock’s young people for many years.
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