LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Outstanding support made Relay for Life a major county success

Editor, the Leader-News:

We would like to thank the community of Wharton County for your support and participation in the incredibly successful 2007 Wharton County Relay For Life, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the El Campo High School Stadium. The outcome of the entire event, where more than 30 terrific teams gathered to celebrate with more than 135 grateful cancer survivors, genuinely pleased us.

Because of your generosity and involvement, you have helped to save lives and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. When you decided to support the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, you joined a group of people who have dedicated themselves to eliminating cancer. You have helped fund cancer research, you gave us the ability to share cancer knowledge and resources, you encouraged our policymakers to make beneficial decisions for cancer patients, and you helped provide vital services that help cancer patients in Wharton County.

Relay For Life is a celebration of life for those who have battled cancer, a time to remember the loved ones lost to the disease, and a chance to fight back against a disease that takes too much. Relay For Life represents the hope that those we have lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be no more.

We are excited about our success of this year's event and look forward to next year's with much anticipation.

Sincerely, Joan Andel, Nancy Fenner and Beth Young

Wharton County Relay For Life Co-Chairs

Question of Ricebird vs. Bay City game history leads to research project

Editor, the Leader-News:

I am curious about the "101st showing between the El Campo Ricebirds and rival Bay City Blackcats." According to all newspaper accounts that I have read, the first ECHS football team was in 1910. Mr. John Morris and his brother Mickey were members of that team. In an interview for the ECISD centennial history, Mr. Morris indicated that there had been a town football team two or three years before.

Where does the number 101 come from? Were the articles and Mr. Morris incorrect? Does the number include the town teams' games? Did the teams play more than one game a year? Does the number include playoff games?

I would appreciate any information that clarifies and expands the ECHS history.

Arliss Treybig

Class of 1953

Editor's Note: Good questions! Former Leader-News sports editor Shawn Price, in response to these questions, is assisting the Leader-News with finding answers. A short answer is that during at least a couple of years, especially in the early 1900s, some teams were played twice. The 101 may be incorrect. It is looking like it could actually be 102 games have now been played between El Campo and Bay City since 1910. As soon as we get this matter clarified, we'll report.