Evan Excell, Ben Lomond High School

I will always remember the scene of a young man, an opposing and defeated player, standing all alone and applauding as the State Championship trophy was presented to his opponents. . The young man’s name is Aaron Thatcher, a tremendous player in his own right, who had given all of his 6’7” frame in the preceding overtime game.  Aaron had played magnificently with 25 points, numerous rebounds and many blocked shots, but he had the haunting agony of missing a potential game winning free throw with only 6 seconds on the clock, after making a pressure packed front end to send the game into overtime. 

Let me recount the description of the game’s ending as I saw it through the eyes of a lover of the game. 

It was a heated battle, a classic overtime game between two very evenly matched, very well coached teams who played their hearts out to bring a State Championship to their school.   Only one could win – there needs also to be a loser.  The memories of winning would be cherished always and the haunting of defeat would remain forever. 

At the buzzer, pandemonium broke out for the winners and dejection showed its ugly face on those who came up just short.  A not-so-cordial exchange between coaches took place and the players congratulated each other as best they could.  The second place trophy was presented to the Mountain Crest Mustangs and the team left for the dressing room – excepting one player who had the courage, the decency, and the good sportsmanship to remain.  Aaron Thatcher stood alone and applauded the presentation of the Championship trophy to Ogden High School.  He took one long, last look around the arena, slowly turned, touched the ground-level scoreboard tenderly, as if thinking what might have been, and exited through the tunnel to the quiet dressing room of the losing team. 

The effect of that moment – that gesture – will last a lifetime with me.  The true meaning of sportsmanship – the true gentlemanship of a great young man will forever be etched upon the minds of those who were fortunate to behold it. 

A great career had ended.  The leading scorer in the proud basketball history of Mountain crest High School, a three-year starter with a magic touch and a marvelous attitude, had left the court for the final time and he had left it with class. 

. . . I commend you for the class act you are and thank you for the example you left to all of us.  Aaron Thatcher walks tall!

Evan Excell, Basketball Coach

Ben Lomond High School