My View

The winning perspective

By RICHARD A. ROSS

KINGSTON, NY — Perhaps temporarily overshadowed by its 33-0 loss to defending state champion Dobbs Ferry in the Class C regional final, a team that chalked up its 22nd consecutive victory, likely enroute to another state title, is the enormous victory of the Tri-Valley football program, coaches and players.

Now reigning Section Nine Class C champs, the Bears turned two years of bitter losses to rival Sullivan West into a relentless desire to improve their lot. Led by the will and work ethic of a core of dedicated seniors, the Bears committed themselves to returning to the top of the Class C pyramid and claiming the title that would become their fourth in the past six years.

Mission accomplished!

A product of hard work, the guidance of a supportive and affirming coaching staff and backed by a community that never lost faith, Tri-Valley emerged as champions and winners in every sense of the word. Mulling over the details of their loss to Dobbs Ferry, that periodically tramples its Section Nine adversaries on the road to its own glory, serves no purpose here.

What matters is perspective.

In every venue of life, there is inevitably someone who is stronger, more talented and successful. But that fact does not diminish our efforts or dull the luster from those moments when we shine with our brightest light.

Ultimately, we are measured against the ledger of our own endeavors more than against our relative standing with others. Striving to be the best we can be makes us winners in the truest sense.

Kudos to Tri-Valley and to other fall athletes who gave their all. No matter what the scoreboard records as the final score, having put forward your very best, you can never be anything but a champion in the game of life.