This letter is written to generate discussion about the purpose of athletics in local high schools. My son participated in sports, specifically hockey, since he was 5 and enjoyed much success in sports over the years. During that time, I always encouraged him to work hard and take each opportunity as a learning experience. What I most appreciated were the lessons he learned being a member of a team – something greater than himself.

In high school, he worked hard and made the varsity hockey team during his sophomore and junior years. In his senior year, he was cut without explanation. As an 18-year-old with high hopes for his senior year, that was a most difficult lesson and one, as a parent, I question whether he needed to learn.

My question is: How are decisions made at the high school level when it comes to choosing a team? What is the ultimate goal – to win a championship? Or are there greater goals to aspire to: sportsmanship, teamwork, hard work and discipline?

His senior year is over. I’m sorry that his year was marred by the sudden, unexpected end of his athletic career.

Sally Lizotte, Lewiston