I am compelled to speak out in support of the opinion of Matt Williams that he so bravely and eloquently expressed in his letter of Jan. 26.

The people of Oak Harbor should be concerned more about supplying high school students with a quality place to learn the three R’s rather than playing ball. That would benefit more students than a new stadium.

We should praise students for their academic achievements. The last time I looked at the display case in the high school it was full of trophies for sports awards but none for academics.

Surely there are many very intelligent students who should be recognized for their academic achievements. Is the purpose of the school to raise professional athletes or to educate?

Building a new high school may be more complex but taking the path of least resistance is not always the best.

Educate before play.

Robert Adams, MD

Coupeville