Dear Editor,
My name is Amber Gumm and I'm the mom of #54 sophomore Tyler Gumm on Unity football. Unity played Byron in the state game and we took home second.
On our way home we stopped at Culver's in Rochelle. While in the ladies' room I got to talking to two ladies who were (from) Byron. When I told them I was (from) Unity....the oldest lady gave me the biggest hug and both said how impressed they were with how respectful our team was and how you could tell they were really great kids. They said their entire stands were impressed with the sportsmanship our boys showed. They praised them so high and said that we were the best team they have played. "It was an HONOR to play them"
Y'all, when I tell you I ugly cried, I'm not kidding.
Our kids may not have walked away with the trophy but they walked away with so much more.
The complete respect of not only the other team but the fans as well. Coach Hamilton and all the football coaches, please know we cannot thank you enough for what you instill in our kiddos. Football isn't just a sport, it's a family, it's a community.
I couldn't be more proud of these kids. Please let your players know that they didn't lose tonight, they won EXACTLY where it counts. On to next year!!!!!
Amber Gumm
