Majority behaved at SHS-North Rowan game

I was at the North Rowan vs. Salisbury High School basketball game on Friday with the head coach of the Catawba College basketball team. We witnessed the altercation at the end of the third period between the two young men — trash talking, bumping and a punch. I was tremendously disappointed with the actions of these two young men. We preach to student-athletes that they are responsible for their actions on and off the court, and they should be punished accordingly.

A game official immediately stepped in and took charge, calling a technical foul and separating the players. Coaches from both teams also stepped in. It was a unique situation, since the players were already up and prepared to huddle around the coach in front of the benches, as is the custom between periods.

It appeared the officials and coaches had everything under control. Then, something happened that I cannot remember witnessing before in my career. In a matter of seconds, fans came onto the court to confront players and coaches. The game went out of the officials’ control, and became the responsibility of security and school officials. Anyone who acted in an aggressive, physical manner should be punished appropriately by their respective school or local authorities.

I also witnessed a majority of the players, students and fans trying to help break up the altercations. These people should be lauded for their efforts. These players, in particular, should not be punished by the game officials, the Central Carolinas Conference, or the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for leaving their respective bench areas after the fans stormed on to the court. Most young student-athletes consider it an honor to represent their school, and I hope we are able to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive teaching moment for everyone involved.

— Larry Leckonby

Salisbury

Include diet, exercise in health discussion

I just read about the Community Forum held at St. John’s to discuss the abysmal health statistic that Rowan County ranks 76th out of 100 counties in NC. City, county, religious and clinic leaders participated with Novant Medical Center representatives and guest speakers. The global initiative “100 Million Healthier Lives” provided impetus for this forum.

Since I moved here four years ago I have noticed buying habits. While in the supermarket checkout line this week, the cart in front of me and the one at the next checkout each contained four or-five six-packs of various sodas! I see this all the time. This significantly contributes to obesity, not to mention the sugar content contributing to diabetes and heart disease, a continuing problem in North Carolina. Sugar free soda is not much better either because of the sodium and caffeine content.

Just putting the focus on healthy eating, accompanied by more outdoor activity, is a simple way of improving overall health, particularly among children. Physical exercise is very important to a healthy life.

The high fat content offered in fast-food restaurants is of poor quality and must accept some of the blame for obesity as well.

Clinics and shelters could offer more classes in food selection and preparation. Food banks could also help in this way. Schools could offer classes in healthy lifestyles, starting with children. Livingstone College has a culinary center possibly willing to participate.

The responsibility for the high percentage of unhealthy lifestyles in Rowan County lies with the people who live here, whether they are affluent, have medium incomes or are considered poor. We all should feel a responsibility to protect our own health and that of our families.

— Juliet Connery

Salisbury

Endorsement letters

Letters endorsing candidates in the March 15 primary should be received by the Post by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 10 to be published before the primary.