Many letters to the editor are being written by individuals who are negative on many issues. I personally wanted to express in a positive way of how very special it was for everyone in the Albert Lea area as well as all over the country to watch, over CBS, our very own Ben Woodside and his teammates on the North Dakota State Bisons perform in the prestigious NCAA men’s basketball tournament held in Minneapolis on Friday, March 20.

If an award or honor were to be given to the team playing in the NCAA tournament displaying a clean-cut, neat appearance, excellent sportsmanship, likeability and pizzazz, NDSU would take first place.

It was unfortunate, however, that NDSU’s draw for the first game was Kansas, the defender of last year’s title. For Kansas had the big guys and giants in height to make it rough and tough under the boards. Ben Woodside still came up with a remarkable 37 points! NDSU lost to Kansas, but the Bisons remain to be No. 1 in our hearts!

Ben Woodside in action portrays a dynamic, incredible and awesome player. He is a leader displaying the art of being humble as opposed to being a grandstand macho person. He is an extremely talented young star at the hoops. It isn’t everyday that you see one of the area guys or gals in the national athletic limelight. We are fortunate to have the opportunity.

I personally want to wish Ben the very best to come for continued success in the future. Whether it be playing in the NBA or choosing to become a basketball coach and leading his team to victory in pursuit of the American Dream.

Ben’s star and light will continue to shone brightly just as it shone brightly with his NDSU teammates in the NCAA basketball tournament, and also with his special Albert Lea Tiger basketball teammates in 2004.

Judy Hagen

Albert Lea