Editors note: The text below is simply an opinion of mine and may or may not be endorsed by Magnolia High School and/or the coaching staff. It's simply my opinion...
It seems unbelievable to me that our JV team can get disqualified because we're playing "up" in a varsity tournament. Will these competitors stop at nothing for a WIN?? Are their programs so suspect that they'll fold up because they COULD lose to an 'inferior' team? It's simple and as clear as the noses on their faces: these coaches who protested the Magnolia's JV team knew in advance that they were entered in the tournament. It's just they didn't think the JV team would win against them and embarrass them in doing so. I've heard from several fans (volleyball fans, not necessarily Bulldog fans) that our ladies smoked the New Caney Lady Panthers Varsity and looked great in doing so. I was also told that just last week at the Montgomery tournament that the Montgomery Lady Bears JV team played the Conroe varsity team and barely lost - but at least were able to play and advance if they won or go to the loser's bracket if they lost. Why is it now a double-standard?
I consider it an insensitive decision and the absolute lowest form of sportsmanship when 12 players are penalized and forced not to compete for having (in essence) competitors who are older, more experienced, bigger (and supposedly better) cowering because they just might LOSE and get embarrassed. I would love to see a major newspaper or media service pick this story up and put the spotlight brightly on these people in charge of this tournament and we'll see how embarrassing this poor decision really is! I think that an older team should take on younger team who thinks they deserve a shot. Why not? Everone wins. The younger ones learn a lot playing with the older ones and the overall quality of the game progresses 'a little higher and a little sooner'. The young 'uns may even learn a little respect and sportsmanship that is embedded with these players and coaches. The older players still get a WIN in the column if they trounce the younger ones. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if other varsity teams playing in this tournament are offended and embarrassed by this decision and boycotted the remaining games. Is the next step not allowing 5A teams to play powerhouse 4A teams? Should Klein Oak have their win over Cy Falls in the Spring Branch Tournament forfeited? Coach J tirelessly puts on a summer league program and preseason as well as early season games that puts 5A and 4A teams against each other so they all can compete and improve. I also wouldn't blame Coach J and Magnolia High School if they didn't attend this tournament again. After all, what will be the next excuse - our players are too cute??!!
LADY BULLDOG JV'S: YOU ROCK!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!
