Finally, local sports fans in this area have a team that they can be proud of not only for perceived effort, but for actual results.

The team is the Dove Creek Bulldogs, owners of a 26-1 regular season record, a district championship, and an appearance in the state semi-finals.

Here are a few reasons why I believe the 2013 Bulldogs’ volleyball team was so successful.

EXCELLENT WORK ETHIC

Unlike so many prep sports teams in this area, Dove Creek Bulldogs work hard. Week in and week out, the players toil, not only in season, but throughout the offseason as well.

“We worked hard over the summer,” said Bulldogs’ head coach Scott Knuckles earlier this year. “We played some good teams over the summer at the Fort Lewis Team Camp. I think we’ll have a good season.”

So often in this area, limit their work to in season practices and games. If area teams are going to realize success, that will have to change.

TEAM

CHEMISTRY

Born from the Bulldogs willingness to work is incredible team chemistry developed after of hours working together in the gym.

Bulldogs’ players explain that they are best friends off the court, which in turn, allows them to enjoy success between the lines.

“We’ve been together since fourth grade,” said Bulldogs’ senior Madison Young earlier this season.

“We’re a really close team,” added Bulldogs’ senior Shelbie Knuckles. “That’s why we came so far.”

NO-EXCUSES ATTITUDE

While many coaches and athletes in this area love to talk about school size, refereeing, or injuries as reasons precluding success, no such talk ever escapes the lips of the Bulldogs.

Regardless of their available personnel or their opponent, the Bulldogs play hard and play to win.

Competing against 4A schools from Cortez and Delta earlier this season, the Bulldogs could have easily cited the fact that both schools quadrupled Dove Creek High School in size.

Nothing of the sort was ever mentioned, however, as the Bulldogs defeated both schools in the Cortez tournament to earn a surprising victory.

STELLAR COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Perhaps most importantly, the Dove Creek community supports Bulldogs volleyball players.

Large crowds fill the Dove Creek gym on a consistent basis. A police escort followed the team bus out of town to the state tournament.

And most important, members of the community ensure that players and coaches remain accountable.

From what I can tell, coaches are encouraged to win, and players are encouraged to attend practice.

In this area, such accountability is far from the norm.

A GOLD STANDARD

On so many levels, the Dove Creek Bulldogs volleyball team sets the gold standard for teams in this area.

As a sports reporter, prep sports fan and prep coach, I urge coaches, athletes and community members to take notice. Instead of sitting silently while our local teams lose or crafting hollow excuses for their failures, stand up and demand accountability.

Encourage year-round participation in athletics, require coaches and athletes to remain accountable, and resist the urge to accept mediocrity. By doing so, it might be possible to reverse the dismal fortunes of sports teams in this area. It might be possible to win some games.