SOUND OFF.

Byline: The Register-Guard

MWL coaches erred

Embarrassment is an understatement describing the voting that took place in the recent Midwestern League all-star selections. Several coaches' egos and pride got in the way of recognizing some of the efforts made by outstanding athletes.

South Eugene High School finished statistically No. 1 in the league on defense and offense with an 8-1 record, yet found the majority of its athletes on the honorable mention list, while teams that they had beaten by a minimum of 28 points were placed on first and second teams. Most notably Brett McLennan, the No. 1 statistically rated quarterback in the state, was voted honorable mention in his own league!

Now, are we recognizing the efforts of young athletes on the field or are the coaches trying to make personal statements? When an athlete improves his entire character, his outlook on life and performance to put him in position to receive a college scholarship, we usually look at that as a positive success story. Not always, sometimes a transfer to a better situation is viewed with envy and bitterness.

As an assistant coach with Springfield in 2003 and with South Eugene in 2004, I personally witnessed the transformation and growth of Brett McLennan's transfer.

Statistics and head-to-head matchups don't lie, and the efforts on the field are recognized by the parents, fans and media. I am saddened to see the all-league honors being discredited by bitter, prideful and selfish coaches who forgot the high school game of football is for the kids ... then the coaches.

VERN NICHOLAS

Eugene

No place for politics

I knew that, to some extent at least, Midwestern League football all-league selections were political, but one result published in your sports section on Nov. 9, 2004 simply defies explanation.

Brett McLennan (South Eugene) led the state in touchdown passes, established a new Midwestern League record for touchdown passes, led South Eugene to a one-loss season, and is relegated to "Honorable Mention." What a travesty!

I had the opportunity to see all the quarterbacks in the league this year, and Brett was clearly the best.

If the reason Brett was snubbed is because he transferred to South to flee an impossible situation at Springfield, then I say shame on all those mean-spirited, small-minded voters. I'm quite sure college recruiters won't be so narrow-minded.

ERIC CARLSON

Springfield

McLennan slighted

I am absolutely appalled that certain coaches in the Midwestern League could let jealousy and politics come between a deserving player and his rightful all-league honors.

Senior quarterback Brett McLennan of South Eugene proved himself the best in the league, very likely the state, while throwing for almost 3,000 yards, over 30 TDs and completing 68 percent of his passes. He leads the state in all statistical categories. He will very likely go on to play college ball.

Brett came to SE to learn the art of his craft from an NFL QB. He has excelled under coach Miller's tutelage. This was a very difficult and important decision in his life.

I hope the R-G can do him some justice and give him some very deserved positive publicity.

I also think it is time that these coaches explain themselves publicly. Perhaps then they will be more responsible when it is time to honor these young men and their accomplishments.

RANDY ENDERS

Eugene

Keep your head up

An open letter to Keith Allen:

Don't worry about what some people may say. Most who speak negatively have never put themselves in a position to compete with the best. You have. Most who speak negatively will never know what it's like to be down there on that field. You do.

Some of us still remember that unbelievable catch against Stanford, which put us in position to eventually score the winning TD. Some of us know how much hard work and dedication you have put into getting back on the field.

Through all of the injuries, you have been a Duck tried and true. Some of us will remember that always. Players come and go, all of them stay in our hearts in one way or another.

Keep your head up. True Duck fans will always love your hard work and dedication. We will be cheering our hearts out on Senior Day this Saturday. Thank you.

SCOTT REED

Wilsonville