My family has lived in Rock Port since 1980 when we chose Rock Port for our final landing spot when I was transferred to Northwest Missouri with my company. Our children were active members in the Rock Port School athletics, marching band and National Honor Society. We followed our three children to all events. I was on the road traveling the four counties but we made sure one or both of us attended every event that our kids participated in. I personally, Dale, missed one softball game and one track meet, my wife missed zero. We have been Loyal and Proud Rock Port Blue Jay Parents and Fans.
I am sad to say that I was not Rock Port Proud on January 20 during Homecoming Night. I had the misfortune to sit among a terrible display of sportsmanship by a few parents. All but two violations that Rock Port committed were booed or hollered at. A mother of one athlete even ran along the sideline chewing on one referee while he was following the team to the other end of the court. To be honest I did not see it. I know about itbecause when the mother came back to her seat in front of me, she began bragging about it to her husband and others who thought it was hilarious.
I told them before I left, that they reminded me of parents that gave a county rival of ours a bad reputation for sportsmanship when our children were playing. I can remember sitting in the crowd during those long-ago games and thinking bad of the entire team. After all, no one from the opposing community was complaining so the entire town must be bad.
I am writing this letter to let Fairfax and Tarkio fans know that the poor sportsmanship displayed was not approved by Dale Dickkut and his family. I also believe that a very large percentage of Rock Port fans did not appreciated the display either.
GO BIG BLUE
Dale Dickkut