Dear Editor,

In the last issue of The Spoke, Elisabeth Shertzer wrote a naïve article (“Respect the arts, not just athletics,” Feb. 2009) that directly attacks the athletes at Conestoga. Her opening challenges athletes by suggesting that being in band is as “energy-taxing” as just about any sport.

There is no battle between the arts or athletics. Actually, there are many sports teams that are neglected recognition, and in being a wrestler I have lived with this fact for quite a while. I actually feel that receiving limited coverage has helped me; it helped me learn to appreciate the sports that I do from a different perspective, free from the opinions and judgments of others. I enjoy the activities that I do because of my own appreciation for them, and no one else’s.

Bryan McCormick
Senior

Dear Editor,

I do agree with the author’s  point, “music and art should not be treated as secondary, unimportant activities.”

But, I think this is not because of sports. Blaming sports coverage for this does not seem like the right idea. There wasn’t a billboard outside that says “Boys Basketball in the Playoffs.” There was one that said “Kiss Me, Kate.” There were four pages including the editorial in the last Spoke devoted to the arts, plus a mention of student bands in the community section. There were four pages devoted to sports, plus the back cover. We could continue to argue about those comparisons, but there is little point.

If you are into and follow sports, that is what you want to read about. If you are into the arts, that is what you want to read about. It just so happens that The Spoke tends to have more people on staff that want to and do write about sports. You can’t just blame the entire Spoke. They aren’t turning down articles about the arts. No one is writing about them. Although, maybe this editorial will cause some more interest. I am not going to have a problem with increased attention or interest, and I never will.

Shawn Wagner
Senior

To submit a letter to the editor, please e-mail spoke@stoga.net

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