Tom Rops, head boys’ basketball coach at Luverne High School, knows that first and foremost he is an educator. His actions tell me he is committed to building strong citizens.I don't know Rops but had an opportunity to referee a boys’ basketball game between his Luverne Cardinals and the Windom Eagles.Throughout the game, he was coaching his student athletes and not questioning my judgment or my partner's judgment (Keith Matthiesen). On one occasion, I was in front of the Luverne bench as one of his players was complaining about a call. Coach Rops told the player we were consistent and the player needed to adjust. This was a hard-fought game into the fourth quarter and coach Rops' Cardinals ended up losing the game.Yet, I can't help but think that the student athletes and the Luverne community won the bigger battle. The coaches coached, the players played, and the referees refereed. What a novel idea.Sportsmanship first. Student athletes today, America's leaders tomorrow.I referee because I believe in America's future — our youth.Mark A. Nelsen, basketball refereeSioux Falls, S.D.This letter first appeared on March 17 in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader
