Keep the tradition of postgame handshakes

Regarding “Time to end the charade of postgame handshake lines,” published in The Gazette Feb. 27.

I thought sports were supposed to cultivate skills of communication, teamwork, collaboration, dialogue, civility, maturity, professionalism, and leadership.

And maturity, professionalism, and leadership mean one takes the high road when one is having a bad day, especially when one is having a bad day.

A bad call, an obnoxious opponent, a loss — these things are nothing like having an international bully invade your country or a COVID-infected loved one on a respirator in the ICU. Whine about a real problem.

So buck up, buttercups. Smile through the pain. Laugh through the tears. Know that the agony of defeat is a potential outcome any time one dons a uniform and steps on a court, mat, or field.

Let's stand in line, shake hands, and act like we have some redeeming virtues.

If a handshake is too much when we lose, how will we respond when we face a legitimate community setback.

For any coach or athlete who finds a handshake too much, I suggest that coach or athlete is not worthy of competition and certainly is not a positive role model.

Patrick Muller

Hills