I was quite distressed as I read the account of the Hyde School situation and the reasons for the withdrawal of its boys’ basketball team from the MPA. As a wrestling official before I retired to Brunswick, on many occasions I was invited up from Massachusetts to be the head official when Hyde hosted the Prep School New England Championships, the Prep School Class A Championships and the Northern New Englands.

My experience with these events was nothing short of spectacular in the way we were treated by the Hyde students themselves and the school in general. As a referee I find it hard to believe there is any indication of displeasure with officials’ calls. The participants always demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and enthusiasm, and they were a pleasure to work with whether they won or lost in a demanding sport such as wrestling.

As for denigrating remarks directed toward the school and its students, it is obvious that little is known about the Hyde approach in dealing with their charges. In my experience, even just as an official, it was apparent they are carefully nurtured and guided throughout their Hyde years. It is perhaps due to this close attention to life skills that makes them such a positive part of a school community.

Continued good luck and best wishes in the endeavors of Hyde School.

It is a model experience and much-needed by many at this point in their young lives.

Jack Jones

Brunswick

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