To the editor:

Gloucester Daily Times sports editor Matt Langone's Jan. 23 tribute to the Gloucester High School boys track and field program ("Gloucester boys track can also claim dynasty status") was much appreciated, though it contained one well-intended but misleading assumption that runs contrary to what the boys program is all about.

Yes, the Fishermen track and field teams have posted a wonderful record over the years, but let's save the "dynasty" talk for the professional ranks. For us, the focus isn't just on winning - which usually translates into putting more points on the scoreboard than the other team - but instead on learning how to give one's best effort, not only on the track, but also in the classroom and beyond, important early steps in acquiring the knowledge and confidence necessary to be successful in life.

While it's accurate to report on the team's current 5-0 record, our view of competition does not entirely square with sports editor Langone's view that the Fishermen can be counted on to prove victorious in its final two dual meets, thereby achieving the program's 13th Northeastern Conference Championship in a 15-year span.

Salem and Danvers, the Fishermen's remaining regular-season opponents, may have something to say about the outcome of the conference's small school division. And so our focus, in these as in every meet, will be on each team member giving his very best effort. If that results in putting more points on the scoreboard than our opponent, fine.

To assume that either victory or defeat is a given is often the first sign of the onset of something called complacency. And, hopefully, complacency is not a quality that will ever be welcomed or nurtured on this team, as it serves neither the interests of sport nor the challenges of life.

JIM MUNN

Boys track and field coach

Gloucester High School