When we look at the purpose and mission of high school activities and athletics, it is sometimes overshadowed by the adults who focus on just the championship. Scheduling advantages or disadvantages, controlling recognition for one’s own gain and in addition, some get caught up with what I call the “owner’s syndrome”, where the words mine, my, and me take over when discussing the school’s programs and/or teams. However, when the activity is structured in a way that focuses the students on teamwork, discipline, hard work and the lessons leading to a successful life, the state championship while nice is simply a byproduct of good coaching/teaching.

One of our own, Mr. David Hines (AIA Tournament Coordinator) was recently inducted into the Mesa Hall of Fame as a coach. In addition, the 1991 Mesa Red Mountain Cross Country team joined him in this honor. The stories I was certainly privileged to read didn’t focus on the day of the championship, but the journey. The stories were not about victories but about the time spent together and the lessons from their coach. Most importantly, how those lessons have been brought into their adult lives. One of the students wrote to their coach:

“Now that I am a mother, I am reminded again how challenging it mnust have been for you and your wife to dedicate so much time, so many thoughts, personal cash, and I’m sure prayers on us. My parents didn’t quite understand what it is to be on a team, but were proud and supportiuve. I know there were several other families in the same boat. Your family was surrogate for many of us. When the time comes, and I’m sure it will be soon, I look forward to encouraging my children in sports as you did for us.”

 “Win at all costs” is a phrase for college and professional sports. In high school, the stories of champions are those exemplified by this team and many others that may or may not have won a state trophy, but are champions as parents, as teachers, as coaches, in business and in medicine. Coach Hines is and was a teacher /coach who focused on the kids, for the right reasons.Congratulations to Coach Hines and the ‘91 Mountain Lion CC team.

1991 Red Mountain Lions CC - AIA State Champions and Life Champions

Erin Chavez – Teacher, mother of two and wife

Wendy Walls - Mother of five and wife

Denise Ferguson – Works in finance, mother of one and wife

Shannon Smith – Teacher, coach, mother of one and wife

Misty English – Teacher, coach, mother of one and wife

Dawn Stone – Emergency room nurse

Courtney Teatro – Teacher, coach