To the editor:

In a post-game interview with your sports reporter, Ben Watanabe, after our game vs. Lynden at Lynden High School on Dec. 27, I made comments during the interview that were later published as a part of the game summary in your Dec. 31 edition.

Once I read the article, I did not like the tone I set, the negativity and the use of profanity at the end of the article is most definitely a big no-no.

The environment that I try to set for these high school boys is one that will attract new players and keeps our current players coming back, year after year, to our program. I try to teach basketball fundamentals along with life lessons. Things like commitment, respect for the game, teamwork, respect for teammates/coaches/opponents and the need to sacrifice personal glory for team glory is what my program is all about.

Sometimes a coach’s passion for his/her sport and team goes a little too far and man, this was one of those times. I apologize for the comments made in the article and I will learn from it.

HENRY POPE

Head Coach, Boys Basketball

South Whidbey High School