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Kids are kids; cut them some slack

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Contributed by: Chris Weatherman on 2/22/2006

Dr. Stevenson,
My name is Chris Weatherman and I am an assistant coach at Columbine High School, businessman for

almost 20 years in Jeffco, parent and employee of this county.
I arrived home tonight and much to my surprise viewed a TV segment about the suspension of a wrestler

from Conifer High School for what appears to be a minimal prank shared by teenagers, and teammates

countrywide. As a coach, mentor and parent I have seen many issues over the years much more heinous

than this. As a Denver native we engaged in harmless team/teenage events from time to time growing up.

It seems as if our zeal to control every aspect of a young persons life disallows any opportunity to be

a kid anymore. I am not speaking about potential injury or harm-just simple every day frivolity. There

are many, many more activities kids engage in every day ( Drugs, fights, vandalism- you know the gamut)

that go unpunished or carry lesser penalties. In this case -do you really feel the punishment fits the

crime? It's too bad that the quality kids who stretch to have a little fun pay such a price. Just how

does a young man take and not become bitter toward authority based on one incident that is not even

paramount in nature. You and I have the responsibility to mentor young people in a caring manner and

not take advantage of their immaturity. The result of such harsh treatment does not carry the message,

it simply dulls the spirit we Americans are known for. I do not condone serious pranks in any way,

however let's use some adult judgement and allow kids to learn from positive- not negative consequence

ramification.

I know Blaine Sumner. I've coached him since the fourth grade. Blaine is a model young man, a good

citizen and brings positive energy benefiting anyone fortunate enough to meet him. He comes from a

solid family of which few households compare with respect to values, ethic and honor. In nearly 18

years of coaching and working with youth I have met few young men who carry the characteristics people

admire to the level that Blaine Sumner does. This is a good kid and a good family. What a terrible

injustice done by such harsh treatment in view of the entire incident and character of those involved.
I would ask at this late date you reconsider such punitive action and give fairness a chance.

Respectfully,
Chris Weatherman
Assistant Varsity Coach
Columbine Boys Lacrosse

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