Root for the Home Teams!

New York has the Knicks and LA has the Lakers. Seattle hashellip;well, hopefully the Sonics soon. Here in the Touchet Valley we have the Waits- burg-Prescott Cardinals and the Dayton Bulldogs. This week, the Lady Bulldog and Lady Cardinal basketball teams are in the playoffs. Several WP wrestlers have moved on to regional tournaments. Rooting for them all gives us a chance to be fans of the hometown team, even if we don't live in NY or LA or Seattle.

In a three-part column in The Times last month, sports reporter Dan Groom addressed the question of why many students at our local high schools, particularly boys in Dayton, turn out for sports in such low numbers.

In his discussions with coaches, players and commu- nity members, Dan heard of several issues that contribute to the problem. Superintendent Doug Johnson had some particularly insightful thoughts, including the many competing activities kids have for their after-school time, besides going to practice. He also pointed out the fact that in small towns like Dayton and Waitsburg, coaches often aren't teachers at the school, which means that they don't have the chance to get to know kids during the day.

One other issue that was brought up to us more than once was the fact that, at least in Dayton, the community doesn't support the teams like they could. "Why does Waitsburg's gym always seem to be fuller than Dayton's during home games?" we were asked.

Winning brings crowds, is one answer, of course. Safeco Field in Seattle has been a pretty desolate-looking place in September the past few years, as the Mariners repeatedly finish last in their division. If the Dayton teams were perennial powerhouses, attendance would likely increase.

It can also be argued that many kids at our local high schools have other activities they are passionate about, besides sports. Some of us here at The Times excelled more at band in high school, nerds that we are. Our local schools have good music programs and art programs. Dayton even has a robotics program that is preparing for its second year of competition. All of these activities should be encouraged.

We often hear that many local kids grow up in a diffi- cult environment. It's undoubtedly true that many parents are struggling financially and can't afford the money, or the time, to see that their kids are active in sports and other school activities.

We can't fix all of these problems, but one thing all of us can do is show our support for school activities. We can go to band and choral concerts and art exhibitions. And if we have the means, there are ways to provide financial support for kids' extra-curricular activities. Call the school administrators to find out how.

And go to games. As reporter Morgan Smith points out in her column on this page, it can become addictive. She's gotten to know the kids and the different strengths they have. She started going to high school sports events around here because it was part of her job and she had to. Now she looks forward to it.

At The Times, we take pride in covering local high school sports and other activities that students are partici- pating in. We congratulate the student-athletes who are moving on to the playoffs, and we encourage our readers to cheer them on.