The Harbinger article about Algonquin’s interim athletic director Fran Whitten was a valid and honest portrayal of his goal to improve the Algonquin Athletic Department (“Interim athletic director Fran Whitten hopes to provide positive experiences for athletes,” Harbinger, Sept. 2017). The quotes from boys’ varsity tennis coach Gerald Cushing and cross country coach Brian Kellet were effective as they demonstrated the respect that coaches have towards Whitten and his return to the athletic department. It was also fitting to show varsity athletes thoughts on Whitten’s efforts to improve Algonquin Athletics as this showed that students too are enthusiastic about his return to our high school.

Although the piece did include that Whitten initiated an Athletic Council, as a current Algonquin athlete, I know there are specific goals that he and the leaders of this club are aiming to accomplish. For example, Whitten is holding Captains’ Breakfasts each season to receive feedback, comments, and concerns from Algonquin athletes first-hand. Additionally, in order to have more support at athletic events, the Athletic Council created a competition called “Code-Tomahawk,” in which Algonquin sports teams earn points for attending another team’s game or match. Whitten is working to positively affect the Algonquin Athletic Department by building on the support and bonds within this program. I personally am very excited about Whitten’s return to Algonquin and am looking forward to see what else he improves upon in our athletic department.

Leah Lidsky

Southborough