Words not meant to offend St. Mary's

St. Mary’s High School and I remain the best of friends.
I say this despite what I wrote in a column last week regarding the unexpected resignation of boys basketball coach Jim McMurray to take over the prestigious girls basketball position at Pembroke Hill.
Two irate – and deservedly so – e-mail’s criticized my usage of the words “from the outhouse to the penthouse” in my summation of McMurray’s departure, even though I began the sentence “with no offense to St. Mary’s.”
In no way, shape or form were the words meant to degrade the school or its athletes. I have read and heard usage of the words many times, especially when it came to the trade of a professional athlete from a championship team to a non-contender. The same could be said for trading in a 15-year-old car for a new one or a new job.
Monthly from September to May, the Rotary Club of Independence invites and honors outstanding students from Fort Osage, St. Mary’s, Truman, Van Horn and William Chrisman. It has for probably 15 years been my pleasure the first Tuesday of each month to take two St. Mary’s students to the club meeting.
Also, for years I have purchased five tickets in one of the school’s annual fundraisers called “Benchwarmers.”
Still, I didn’t realize the usage of the words outhouse and penthouse would cause such a stir.
Unfortunately, the St. Mary’s boys basketball program has had only one winning season in the last 11 years and two in the last 21. I have never questioned the team’s desire, heart and hustle. But the lack of experience, size and quickness has hurt, especially the last two years as a 3-44 record would indicate.
Meanwhile, Pembroke Hill is one of the winningest girls programs in the state. I can’t recall the last time it had a losing season. The school has won numerous district titles and advanced to the final four several times.
So, absent-mindedly, I used a figure of speech to say McMurray was moving up.
I realize now I should have said he was going from a struggling to an elite program. However, he will be under pressure to keep the program strong. The new St. Mary’s coach will try to revitalize a program.
I hope this clarifies the situation and I promise to never use those two words again.
n A caller informed me there is another Independence connection at Belton High School. Wrestling coach Jeff Davis is a graduate of Van Horn.
n The first day of fall sports practice is Aug. 11.
n My favorite event of the summer, the 40-team American Legion Wood Bat Invitational tournament, begins next Wednesday. All 10 Fifth District American Legion teams are entered in the 40-team field. Six states – Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado – will be represented.