To the editor:

I witnessed two soccer games this past week, each involving teams from Lawrence. The first game was on Tuesday night at YSI. The Shawnee Mission East team notched three goals in the first 15 minutes against Lawrence High School to take a 3-0 lead. In a class move, the Shawnee Mission East coach quickly pulled out his leading goal scorer and limited the role of his starters for the remainder of the game. This allowed some players who do not usually play to get some varsity experience. Perhaps more importantly, it was an act of good sportsmanship.

On Sunday evening, I watched two U-12 Lawrence youth boys premier teams play against each other in Kansas City. With an 8-0 lead, the Kaw Valley coach continued to play one player who had notched six goals in the game. This lasted until the final whistle was blown. This was the poorest display of coaching sportsmanship at the youth soccer level that I have witnessed in 30 years. The Kaw Valley Soccer Assn. and all soccer parents should take notice of those who are leading the youth of Lawrence.

Mark Craig,

Lawrence