I wanted to acknowledge a great group of people I met this past basketball season, as well as the coach of the Gardiner middle school travel team.

My nephew plays on the team and I attended many games. The families involved with this sport really impressed me, but one man’s actions in particular were notable, and that person was their coach, Charles “Charlie” Lawrence.

Not only were these boys and their families a joy to be around this season, but Charlie’s coaching style was impressive.

He is not only an excellent coach regarding skill and technique; he is also an excellent coach where it matters most, in teaching the lessons of respect, good sportsmanship and honor, lessons that he instilled in each of these boys.

Lawrence is down-to-earth and possesses the rare trait of humility.

When he was wrong, he owned up to it and expected nothing less from his team. He is a friend, mentor and positive role model for these kids, and I applaud him.

In closing, I also would like to thank all the nice families of the boys that I met during the games and for making the Gardiner travel team basketball season both memorable and enjoyable.

Patty Woods

Richmond

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