Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire community of Martha’s Vineyard for their continued support of the high school athletic program. We had another very successful year. Of the 18 varsity sports programs at the high school, it is a pleasure to announce that 15 of the 18 programs saw post-season play during the 2011-12 school year. None of this success would be possible without the outstanding and dedicated athletes and coaches, along with the supportive parents, that are part of the athletic program at the school. We are fortunate to have a great coaching staff that spends countless hours planning, preparing and sharing their expertise with our athletes. I would also like to thank the school administration and school committee; without the strong foundation that they provide, none of this would be possible.

Many of our programs are also blessed with dedicated booster clubs. Through their continued efforts our student athletes receive important resources that our athletic budget cannot supply, including but not limited to uniforms, warm-up suits, fan buses, communication systems and specialty equipment. In addition to the booster club members, the success of these clubs is attributed to the continued generosity of Island businesses and community members. Thank you to all who support our booster clubs through donations, gifts and time.

Last but not least we thank each of the Island newspapers and writers and MVTV for their coverage of our teams: Ivy Ashe of the Vineyard Gazette and Ralph Stewart of The Martha’s Vineyard Times and from MVTV Anne Lemenager, Russ MacDonald and Ken Goldberg who are a pleasant and welcoming sight on the sidelines of so many games. Their desire to provide complete and accurate coverage of the athletic program is unequalled. We commend them for their efforts.

I look forward to seeing all of your readers at next year’s games and contests. For all the parents and athletes who will be on the fields next fall, “Meet the Coaches Night” will be held August 7, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the gym. See you all there.

Mark McCarthy

Oak Bluffs

 

The writer is athletic director at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.