Letter: Thrill for Taconic to Play State Championship at Wahconah

Letter to the EditorPrint Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

As a high school coach, I cannot begin to describe the emotion and excitement that my players and coaches experienced on Monday during the MIAA D-III state championship at Wahconah Park. The thrill of being able to play the final game in our hometown, on the city-owned historic park, was amazing. To look up at the stands as they began to fill, and to see the faces of people of all ages painted along the fence and deep into the field, resonated with me throughout the day.

It is no small task to get to the state game, but it was an even greater task to perform the way that we did in front of our family, friends, teachers, neighbors, and residents. Truth be told, it was your cheers and clapping, chanting, and demonstration of love and support that rallied our players in the dugout and on the field. Given the many obstacles and challenges that everyone has faced for the past year and a half, it was a great day of baseball and a great day for Pittsfield.


There are many thoughts racing through my mind the day after a state championship, but for now, I will say "thank you." Thank you to the school department for protecting our season, the city for allowing us to play on “their” field, the parents for supporting your sons each and every day, the players for their endless dedication to the sport, the coaches for their tireless work, and finally, the fans, for your love of baseball.

"In baseball as in life, all the important things happen at HOME." In closing, and on behalf of the Taconic High School baseball team, my players, and my full coaching staff, thank you! Go Braves!

Sincerely,

Kevin Stannard
Taconic High School
varsity baseball coach 

Pittsfield, Mass.

 

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Veteran Spotlight: Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Gilliard

By Wayne SoaresSpecial to iBerkshires
FALMOUNTH, Mass. — Mark Gilliard served his country for an amazing 31 years in the Air Force and Army National Guard retiring as a master sergeant.
 
During his service, he also received numerous "Man of The Year" awards in a variety of capacities, which highlight an exceptional military career of service.
 
Born in Savannah, Ga., he did his first basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. 
 
"I was that 18-year old kid, I think that's an appropriate age to enlist," he said. "I learned so much — the whole experience was a meaningful, exciting and impactful learning experience for me. Coming home from boot camp was a bit of an eye-opener as we were in our uniforms and were treated with unexpected contempt by people who still had Vietnam on their minds. It was 1979."
 
I asked Gilliard his thoughts on leadership and why he was so successful in that capacity.
 
"I had great mentors in all of my experiences, my biggest attribute has always been listening and being open-minded," he said. "My drill sergeants were mostly Vietnam veterans. They told us stories ... for me it's about patriotism and service to your country. Wearing your greens is something, but putting on your dress blues — you feel like you're the protector of your country. It's just amazing to combine your passion with your purpose."
 
Gilliard was deployed six times. I asked him what it was like being away for the holidays. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories