Editor: As a former student, athlete, coach and teacher of the Canmore high school, I thought I’d weigh in on the Crusaders name debate.
I was a member of the student body, and specifically the student council, that came up with, and formalized, the Crusader name under the guidance, encouragement, and support of our teachers and coaches. The move to change this long-standing tradition therefore hits pretty close to home.
The “Crusader” name has been steeped in Canmore’s history for more than 40 years. Hundreds, if not thousands, of former students proudly wore the green and gold and were honoured to call themselves Crusaders.
For many, it’s what got them to, and through, school. Further, countless students will tell you that they attribute some of their life successes to “being a Crusader,” which symbolized discipline, dedication, hard work, honour, humility, respect, and dignity.
To reduce what these athletes have worked for and achieved over the years to a symbol of violence and hatred is counter-productive and demeaning. The perception of the “crusader” as depicted in the Outlook article is archaic and absolutely contrary to the modern-day version, a version that has always been the standard for the team name right from inception.
The initial article mentioned that students and parents were sent a letter, stating reasons for the conversation around the name. Was the “other” side presented at all in that same letter?
This is a major move in that a name change will, in essence, be altering a piece of the school’s identity.
Before such a monumental move is made, it would be prudent to ensure that all stakeholders are presented with both sides of the story, including the one that is steeped in tradition.
Every stakeholder has a right to an informed decision, and that means getting the full picture. Given the amount of support the sports program receives from the community (not to mention the taxpayers who fund education), I feel it is only fair and right that they, too, be included in the process.
I know many alumni who would jump at the chance to sit down with the present student body and collaborate on what it means to be a Crusader.
Collaborating and creating the school’s own definition of the name “Crusader” would go much further in building school spirit, morale, cohesiveness, and pride.
Should the decision be made to continue down this path towards change, I trust that all stakeholders will be given the opportunity to have a say in what really amounts to a monumental decision.
Carole Nelson,
Canmore
