Goshen Redskins possibly to change name soon? Or maybe…..
I’m not here to say one way or the other, about the issue of changing the nickname of Goshen from Redskins to whatever they decide to call themselves. However, I think Goshen’s Athletic Director, Larry Kissenger, explained the stance his department will take no matter what the decision.
His stance is the right thing to do about a VERY CONTROVERSIAL issue about changing the school’s nickname. Here’s what he wrote:
“There has been much discussion about the name of the Goshen High School mascot. As athletic director, it is not my calling to defend or condemn the name. It is my responsibility to promote an environment of sportsmanship and learning of which our student-athletes, coaching staff, and community can be proud. We are proud to be called “Redskins”!
Most of our student-athletes become “Redskins” when they attend their first athletic youth camp sometime between 1st and 4th grade. They learn about teamwork, they learn about commitment, they learn about sportsmanship, they make new friends; they become proud of the effort they exert and the new community to which they now belong. When Goshen student-athletes shout “Redskin pride!”, they are honoring the efforts of their athletic teammates and are making a declaration that they are proud of the positive choice they have made to be part of the team.
The official logo of the Goshen Redskins is that of an Indian Chief……..a leader……someone who sets a good example………These are the life skills that athletic participation teaches student-athletes as they grow from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. A leader is also someone who listens to ideas and does not condemn or criticize; someone who has to make difficult decisions that they determine to be for the good of the entire group. Our attitudes towards sportsmanship, our behavior, and our pride in Goshen HS are not dependent on our mascot name, but on the positive life skills that sportsmanship instills in student-athletes.
As in the past, others will ultimately determine the fate of the Goshen Redskins nickname. All will have their chance to be heard if it comes to that. Our superintendent, Dr. Woodworth, welcomes your feedback at dwoodworth@goshenschools.org. My promise to you is that as long as we are the Goshen Redskins, we will embrace our tradition, we will continue to be positive leaders, we will continue to be positive contributors to our community, we will continue to display a work ethic beyond compare, and we will continue to mean nothing but the highest praise when we hold our heads high and yell as a group, “Redskin Pride!”
Sincerely,
Larry J. Kissinger, CAA, Director of Athletics, Goshen High School”
Bravo Mr. Kissinger, that’s putting kids first above all. A lot of administrators should follow your example of leadership.
