Submitted by Rick Bloom, '80, and current assistant to the athletic director: While it seems much more commonplace for individuals to proactively contact the district to complain, it is a welcome surprise to receive positive calls. Frank James, Class of 1964, attended the Brush — Elyria Catholic football game this past fall. This Avon resident called and could not say enough positive and encouraging things about the Brush football team, cheerleaders, and marching band and how they all behaved on the Elyria Catholic campus and football field. Frank sat on the visitors (Brush) side, so he noticed several players and guests picking up trash on that side and taking it to trash cans. He felt the students were classy and polite. He mentioned that it had been some time since he saw a group of cheerleaders having as much fun and showing such “great spirit” on the sidelines. When he congratulated them at the end of the game they were very polite and thankful to him, which he found uplifting!

Last, but not least, Frank took note that as the PA announcer recited a prayer before the game (as parochial schools do), the Brush band and players were very reverent and respectful. All of this gave Frank great PRIDE that he is a Brush ARC at heart, all these years later!

The bottom line? As coaches/players/administrators/fans, we never know who might be watching. We never know how we can inspire or even alter the opinions and perspectives of those in our community or even elsewhere in NE Ohio when we are “on the road”. It really does matter how we carry ourselves even when the scoreboard might not be our best friend on any given day.

Congratulations and THANK YOU to Brush students, staff, coaches, and others in the Brush “traveling party” for modeling exemplary leadership and behavior while representing Brush. It really does matter how we carry ourselves at “home” or “far away” and Arc alum Frank James is proof of that!