Letter to the Editor
Published: March 6, 2008

Editor:

“Madison Pride” has been the catch phrase of our community this year — especially in our athletic endeavors. It was never more evident in our basketball season as I saw so many people provide their support to our young men this year. I watched a young team who worked so hard on and off the court in the good times and the bad. I watched each one grow to understand the actual meaning of “Madison Pride” and how it can engulf you.

On Nov. 12, we talked to them about “Madison Pride” and how if you worked harder than anyone, played with dignity and class, and competed at the highest level you would see it in full force. Did they ever!

“Madison Pride” is about a community which stands behind you, invigorates you, pushes you to want to succeed for them not just yourself, gives you a feeling of belonging to something bigger than you, and makes you strive to be the best. I thank the members of this community for showing our young men what the catch phrase truly meant with your support this year. There were no better fans than Madison this year at home and on the road. We had as many fans on the road as most people had at home.

To the coaches who let their athletes out early from practice, to the parents, to the diehards who were always there, to the alumni who built the history, to my family, and to the students we say, “Thank you.”

I thank my players, managers and Phil Warren for a fun year. I thank Doug Fears, Jim Nelson nd Ron Houser for their work at the games. Many thanks to our study hall teachers — Colleen Eanes, Gail Temple, Barbara Fehn and Janet Drumheller. Principal Mike Sisler, cheerleaders and teachers did so much behind the scenes to help our team this year and their efforts are greatly appreciated. Taylor Mickelberry was great at covering our games for The Eagle and Morcast. Our booster club was tremendous as well.

I thank my staff. I am honored and blessed to coach along with Ben Breeden, Mike Styles, Jeff Early and Gary Honaker because their passion for our kids and the game embodied the true essence of “Madison Pride.”

We did not finish the job we set out to do this year but we learned so much along the way. We will work even harder to make this community proud next year. We appreciate everyone’s support and we will start next season filled with a little “Mountaineer Pride.” God bless!

Tim Taylor
Madison County
Coach
Madison County Boys Basketball Team