To our fans and the Martin community:

As the days have passed since our season was canceled, I have had a lot of time to reflect on the amazing run we had this year.

As heartbreaking and disappointing it was having our season canceled the day we were supposed to host a regional championship, playing to advance to a state quarterfinal game, there are still so many things to be thankful for. Our student-athletes know how much we appreciate them and our hard work, but our fans and community should hear how much we appreciate all of you!

Your support this year was incredible. Our gym was often full, and sadly that’s not a normal for girls’ basketball games. We often brought more fans to away games than the home team had.

Not only did you show up, but you cheered and supported us the RIGHT way, with sportsmanship and encouragement. I can’t tell you enough how important that is.

In our preseason parents’ meeting, I explained how important it was that we create a positive atmosphere for our student-athletes. We try to do that every day in practice and in our huddles. We teach confidence, positive thinking, building others up and not tearing them down.

Fans have a direct impact on this as well. This challenge was accepted and demonstrated each game. Thank you so much for that!

To give you the perspective of a player, I’ll paraphrase what one of our girls told me after the season was canceled. She said she couldn’t sleep the night before the regional final game. She was so excited to go out and play in front of what was going to be an INCREDIBLE atmosphere in front of all our fans. It was going to be the best night of her life.

Your support truly has an impact on high school student-athletes. Thank you for being a part of the memorable journey we had this season. Conference Champs ✔️ District Champs ✔️ Advance to the Regional Championship ✔️ What could have been…

We hope you and your families are staying healthy and safe through these uncertain times.

— Coach Ben Schipper

EDITOR’S NOTE: Aside from a one-point loss to Class C powerhouse Gobles, the only thing that beat the Lady Clippers this season was the Coronavirus.