“As a 1991 graduate of Lincoln High School, I want to thank you for the great column about coach Vince Valdez and the Class 4A state championship basketball team. Critics have tried to bring down the boys of this program, and it’s ridiculous. This championship is huge for the entire Hispanic community. Lincoln has had English as a second language program since I went to school there. Some Americans don’t know their ancestors fought the same fight these young men do. I have heard of blaming the refs for a loss, but to blame immigration for a loss is pathetic, and to teach your kids this cop-out is terrible.”
Eric, Denver
Kiz: The changing face of Colorado was evident when Lincoln students and players chanted “Viva Chihuahua!” after the Lancers won the title. This country was built on immigrants who dared to dream big.
Language arts
“Viva Chihuahua? Swell! Tell me exactly where the American dream or melting pot fits into ‘Viva Chihuahua!’ How about ‘viva USA’ or ‘viva Denver’ or ‘viva Lincoln’? How about ‘viva free school lunch’ or ‘viva Medicaid’ or ‘viva food stamps?’ How about ‘viva staying in school past 10th grade’, or ‘viva not having illegitimate kids at age 15’, or taking English as a first language? And, last, how about ‘viva let’s find a sportswriter who wasn’t trained by Dear Abby?”‘
Fred, Centennial
Kiz: I’m more a disciple of Dr. Ruth than Abby, but thanks for asking, my dear. In many parts of the world, the ability to speak at least two languages is applauded as a sign of intelligence. Are we Americans so stubborn to believe otherwise?
Dunlap true treasure
“It will be no surprise when the four Front Range universities with basketball coaching vacancies fail to hire Mike Dunlap, formerly of Metro State and currently an assistant with the Nuggets. Two things are true of Dunlap. No. 1: A college must offer the resources to enable him to be successful. No. 2: He is too headstrong to be a voice on George Karl’s bench in Denver for long. Given that Dunlap is one of the best coaches in the country, it’s a shame an area campus will fail to do whatever it takes to acquire him.”
R.K. Wilson, Denver
Kiz: I’d rather see Utah or New Mexico try to steal “Rocky Mountain High” as state song than lose Dunlap, who is a real Colorado treasure.
Homecoming canceled
“The Detroit Pistons would rather let Chauncey Billups walk for nothing as a free agent than absorb Nene’s contract, and I don’t see the appeal of Marcus Camby at this point in his career. The Nuggets have nothing to offer the Pistons in a sign-and-trade deal.”
Mark, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Kiz: Mr. Big Shot deserves a big score with his next contract. I doubt it will be with the Nuggets, and we in Denver can handle that. But speaking of rejection, what did Ben Wallace tell the Pistons when he was a free agent?
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot is a greeting from a Hallmark Cards employee who would like to give the hot new goalie for your Avalanche a virtual hug.
“Peter Budaj is clearly the man for the job and part of a fantastic start in a new chapter for the Avs.”
Kelley, Kansas City
