My husband and I, along with all the faithful parents who have been at every San Rafael High JV basketball game, watched recently as our sons again were defeated. They won one game all season. It was difficult to watch at times, but they never gave up, and we continued to cheer them on. They were defeated over and over again, never showing defeat in their body language and approached each new game with a winning attitude. Last year, I had a senior and freshman at Branson School (the youngest is now a sophomore at San Rafael). I watched my senior go to the playoffs in soccer and both boys go to the playoffs in lacrosse. I was extremely proud of both of them and read about their teams' accomplishments each week in the IJ. I didn't realize that I would be equally proud of a losing team that would receive no recognition whatsover.

I write this on behalf of the JV basketball team's efforts. Coach Harris taught these boys so much about basketball that it was fun to watch them play each game with their hearts. The coach was passionate about the game and the boys. They played when they were tired, hurt and sick and never let one another down. They encouraged and supported one another and represented what team spirit is all about.

There's an old saying about learning more from losing than from winning. This season was a true testament to that statement. These boys learned about character, friendship, support, passion and working their hardest to the last second.

What a pleasure this losing season has been! (Letter to the Editor from Kathy T*****, Marin Independent Journal, February 20, 2007 - Kathy is my sister)