There’s nothing wrong with a good, clean rivalry.
That rivalry exists between Winder-Barrow and Apalachee. Rivalries, in their proper context, can be fun and even good for the schools involved. However, there always seemed to be a fringe element to the fan base who would take the rivalry beyond what it really should be. There are those who develop a true hatred for the other school and I’ve always found that to be a shame.
In Barrow County, some forget that we are one school system, one county, one community. We should have one common goal of wanting to see all local student-athletes succeed.
I can understand you may want the “other team” to go 9-1, with that loss being to your school. However, to have venom dripping from your teeth when even the other school is mentioned is quite frankly absurd.
That’s why I was so pleased to hear that officials at Winder-Barrow High School have risen far above any petty rivalry that some may cling to and hired Apalachee High School defensive coordinator David Wagner as the new Bulldogg head coach.
By doing so WBHS leaders such as Al Darby and Justin Grant have shown they understand the bigger picture. Quite frankly, Wagner is an outstanding football coach. He is a person of high character and he is a person who cares about the right things when it comes to our local student athletes. When you boil it down, that’s all that matters. Or at least, that’s all that should matter.
I realize there is always going to be that fringe element of this rivalry. Some of these people lurk in the darkness behind a computer posting anonymous posts. Some are even bold enough to tell you flat out what they think although it certainly doesn’t make them any smarter.
Wagner brings all the necessary tools to help make WBHS successful.
He has a strong work ethic. He has head coaching experience. He has been part of a program which has been to the state playoffs for the last four seasons.
Wagner also has a vast knowledge of weight training (AHS is among the state’s elite in that area) and he will no doubt put that knowledge to good use.
All in all, this hire makes sense in all areas.
Yet, I know there are some out there on the fringe who are going to criticize this hire or not like it because Wagner was hired “from that other school in Barrow County.”
To those people I have to words of advice: “Grow up.”
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
