Mike Conaway: “Heywood Broun, a renowned sportswriter and life-long champion of the underdog, once said that ``Sports do not build…”

“Heywood Broun, a renowned sportswriter and life-long champion of the underdog, once said that ``Sports do not build character, they reveal it.'' I've heard it before, but today I finally understand it thanks to Rochelle High School junior Bonnie Richardson. On the weekend of May 9 and 10 this year, high school athletes from all across Texas gathered for the State track and field championship. At the meet, athletes compete for two honors, for success in each event as individuals and for the State championship as a team. With Bonnie Richardson as a sole member of the Rochelle High School Lady Hornets to qualify for the meet, the Lady Hornets were the ultimate underdog to win a team trophy. Yet, after medaling in all five of her events--winning two golds, two silvers and a bronze--Bonnie found herself in an unlikely position, standing atop the podium to accept the girl's Class 1A team trophy. Her five individual medals earned her 42 points, more than any other school in her team's class. She also wrote herself into the Texas Track and Field history books as the only female ever to win a State team championship without the help of teammates. While Bonnie's accomplishment defines the word ``exceptional,'' the depth of her character is not revealed in her medals or trophies, but in her attitude. Even as her story has been transmitted around the world and back again, her comments reflect a young woman with poise beyond her years.”