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I am fortunate to be coaching during one of the high points in the history of the Hockomock League. I don't necessarily mean athletically. Some may think this crop is the best the Hockomock has ever produced. Maybe it is. But I won't get into a debate about that. I'm sure every era can cite evidence that theirs was the best.

The fact is that I've been around for a while now. I've coached since '79 and before that I was a starter at track meets. Before that I competed in the Hockomock, '68-'70. In 1967 when I was a freshman, North Attleboro was in the Bristol County League. Let's just say that I have a little basis for comparison.

Every thing I've seen tells me that the sportsmanship in Hockomock League track and field circles is at a high-water mark. I don't know if it can get any better. What tells me this?

The nominations I received for the STAwards gives me a unique insight into how athletes, coaches and parents feel about other teams. The fact is, when I get nominations it doesn't appear to be biased by team affiliation. Let me use Meghan Crowley as an example because I know she wouldn't mind, and she is a perfect demonstration of league camaraderie. Among her nominations she included athletes from five different teams. Franklin surely has a reasonable candidate for each category, but the "sheriff" demonstrated that she appreciates quality no matter where she finds it.

Before anyone else says "Hey, what about me!" I have to admit that Meg is the norm, not the exception. Maybe she's just a little more overt. Whether parent, athlete or coach, the people who have sent me nominations have been quick to recognize excellence from other teams.

Mutual respect is nothing new. Back in the 60's I looked up to people like Phil Collingwood, Peter Bortolotti, Chuck Cornell, Dave Looney, Charlie McGuire, and Don Corliss. If I got to look back over my shoulder at some of them, all the better. It wasn't always the case. In college it was guys like Kadafodios of Springfield or Art Dulong.

Back to the present. The big difference nowadays is the telephone and Internet.   We didn't communicate with our rival back then. We read about them in the paper. We compared times and then we'd meet head-to-head. When it was done it was over. You had either won or lost. If the loser had excuses it really didn't matter.

Reality is that you can't predict what would have happened if circumstances were different. There really isn't a need for debate. You win or you lose. It is a sad commentary of our times that so many need to look for excuses. On-line forums are rife with debates of who is better or why such and such didn't happen the way it should. I have some theories about recent societal influences that may cause this.

And the Internet creates a unique situation where posts can maintain a certain degree of anonymity. One can react to their gut, type a few lines; push a button, and viola. Everyone gets to know your feelings but not necessarily your name. Once that button is pushed, there is no turning back. I now question myself a minimum of three times before I send one off.

Within the Hockomock League I don't see much shooting from the hip. More times than not the rivalry is managed within the framework of mutual respect. I would like to think that some of it trickles down from the coaches.

Which brings me to my main point. Although there have always been coaches of the highest caliber in the Hockomock, George King immediately coming to mind, at times there has been distrust.   Unfortunate. Because I think all coaches have the same goals in mind.

Sure we want to win. That is what we want for our athletes. It is the benchmark by which most often the quality of our athletes is judged. But what we really want is for our athletes to be able to compete on a level playing field – to have their fair opportunity to show what they are capable of.

The camaraderie and sense of fair play between coaches in our league seems to be at a high point.

The league now has a sportsmanship award. It is the hardest voting I can remember being a part of. Maybe it is clearer in other sports – maybe not. But in track and field circles I'd be hard pressed to name a team that doesn't show sportsmanship. How do you choose?

Help me out. In the interest of helping individual athletes, coaches and cumulatively teams (and I guess I could say parents) understand how their rivals view this issue, drop me a line. If you have found examples of exceptional sportsmanship I'd be willing to post them. If you have witnessed poor sportsmanship, describe the situation. On the negative side I won't name teams or individuals. I just want to illuminate the actions that may create negative perceptions in the hopes that by understanding those things that create friction between teams, that we can avoid the things that create them.

This week brings both the pentathlon and New England Championships. Good luck to all those athletes who will be representing their teams with pride. Go Hock!

Then on Saturday I'll be going into Reggie Lewis Center to watch the best of collegiate action.

This is also a time to remember some of the athletes who are unable to compete.   Both Kevin Lechak of King Philip and   Guillaume Thevenin of Stoughton have suffered severe injuries that have ended their seasons prematurely. They are outstanding examples of the excellence in our league. They need our support and encouragement during this time of recuperation. I wish them all the best and pray for a speedy recovery.