I have no idea where Ms. Murphy acquired her vast knowledge of football, but I was a high school head football coach in another state for 12 years and disagree with all her criticisms of football and the Thousand Oaks coach. No, winning is not everything, but if you don't coach to win, what is the alternative? Teaching athletes to win is teaching them to be winners and successful in life.

I recently attended the 40th reunion of a state championship team coached by me. It was different than most reunions in that only the players and coaches were invited to attend. After our meal, each one present stood and gave a discourse on what had happened in his life since graduation. Their successes and achievements answer the question, "What does football teach?"

In addition, many of those in attendance were not first stringers, but in Ms. Murphy's words, "stood and watched" during the games. However, to a man, these guys commented on how their football participation and experience gave them the character, discipline, etc., to succeed, and they thanked the coaches for their leadership and guidance. We coaches were proud that we may have had some influence in their life achievements.

In fact, one of those seniors who rarely played told of his survival in the Vietnam jungle for 30 days when he was separated from his military unit. He attributed his survival to the discipline, perseverance and commitment he learned through football.
Finally, the Thousand Oaks coach is not only new at the school, but it's his first year as a head football coach. Let's give him a chance.

— William A. Mehrens, Thousand Oaks