If you were not able to attend the West Rowan High School state championship game Saturday night, let me tell you what you missed.

You missed the finest group of young men playing an outstanding game of basketball. You missed seeing Coach Mike Gurley go over to the losing team as they sat with their heads hanging down and shake each one of their hands. You missed Coach Gurley pointing to all of the fans and thanking us for our support. You missed him hugging his players.

You missed Coach Gurley hugging his father and bringing him and his son out on the court for the awards ceremony. You missed Coach Gurley bringing Henry Kluttz out on the court to have his picture made with the team.

But most of all you missed the sense of pride shared between the more than 1,600 West fans in attendance. It was obvious Coach Gurley wanted to share this win with everyone. It was not about him and it was not just about the team ... it was about West.

The West Rowan basketball team echoed that feeling. They were not playing for individual glory but as a team for their school.

Henry Kluttz will be missed when he retires from West this year. I hope he and the entire staff and faculty at West realize what they have instilled in the students and parents of West Rowan: pride in their school and community. You feel it as soon as you step on the campus.

Thank you, Falcons!

—Betty Lou Echerd

Salisbury