Dear Editor:

I was fortunate to attend the Douglas Bearcat vs. Powell Panther boys semifinal game on Friday evening in Casper.

Prior to game time, your PHS students were having difficulty finding a “student section” to call their own. Before long they had managed to worm their way in and occupy a couple of rows in the midst of “enemy territory.” My family quickly made friends with many of your students and we enjoyed harassing each other throughout the entirety of the game.

First, I would like to commend Powell, its fan base, its athletic programs, your athletes and students. All three of my kids played sports from 2010-18; they competed against Powell, and lost a number of games, including football championships, to your kids. But I have always been impressed with the sportsmanship of your fans and athletes, and the competitiveness of your teams! You guys are a class act — and that didn’t change on Friday night!

Secondly, I want to apologize to your kids who were in the stands Friday! There was a Douglas (adult) fan whose actions did not reflect our community. After your boys team lost a tough battle this lady stood up, turned around and said something derogatory (I didn’t hear what it was) to your kids, and then continued to instigate them for several minutes. Maybe something had been said during the game that she wasn’t happy about, but her actions were childish and unacceptable!

I was reminded of how easy it is to hate others over things that are truly insignificant in the scope of life ... over what, a basketball game? Really!? We can quickly take offense against someone else, judge others, or categorize people based on the town their from or the team they’re cheering for, but your kids didn’t do that. Even after the tantrum, your kids were fist-bumping us, shaking our hands, and giving well-wishes as we walked out together.

Powell parents, as sick as I was to my stomach about what this lady did, I was so encouraged by your kids! Many were rightly upset, but even those treated the rest of us with respect. PHS students, don’t let actions like this lady’s impact your treatment of people, or ruin your opinion of Douglas. That Douglas fan likely had a rough day, bad moment, or some other (unjustified) reason for her outburst.

Just remember that we’re all neighbors battling some demon. Give grace and love others — even when they don’t deserve it! If you do that, you’ll be way better off than this poor lady on Friday night.

I was proud to stand and cheer next to you guys/gals. May God richly bless each of you! 

Brian Brooks

Douglas