Excessive celebration is intimidating

I was saddened and disgusted to see several photos of Iowa high school volleyball players yelling, leaping, high-fiving, gesturing and more, after winning a game or match or even just a point. Those photos contain nothing of which to be proud. Excessive celebration can easily become a way to flaunt and to intimidate (bully).

It is disturbing to see The Gazette repeatedly encouraging this kind of behavior. What has happened to sportsmanship? We are told that sports builds character. Is permitting and encouraging the above kind of behavior character-building? There are some sports where some instances of such behavior are penalized. It should have no place in any sport.

Coach John Wooden, the most respected of all coaches, said, “Your reaction to victory or defeat is an important part of how you play the game. I wanted my players to display style and class in either situation - to lose with grace, to win with humility.

“I believe you should go out and work hard, play hard and compete hard in sports and in life without the extra histrionics.”

James W. Sheckler

Marion