To the Hat City, 

 I had the privilege to be a part of a very special and historic night for the city of Danbury last night.  It was a night where three teams of young men brought the city of Danbury together all across the state, by representing our great city in the game of basketball!  Talk in the community, in the newspaper, and on social media abounded.  Memories of glory days gone by were revived to now included the present day.  There was a buzz around the city… ‘Hat City’ basketball was back in full force!

 Now I was born in Danbury, but sadly never got to put on the blue and orange myself.  However, in many ways I feel I was born a Hatter, growing up the son of one of the cities beloved football heroes.  I’ve grown up hearing stories of legendary football games played on Clapboard Ridge.  I’ve learned the names of many great coaches and athletes from all the sports from over the years.  I’ve become very familiar with the ill feelings towards rivals like Greenwich and Ridgefield.  Much more, I’ve met people who are passionate not just about their city and it’s sports, but a city of people who care about each other through good times and bad.

 I’ve seen first hand what the heart of this city is, and not just when we are celebrating our latest victories in life or in sports.  I’ve seen it when life deals it’s hardest blows.  I’ve seen Danbury show up in full force to care for one of its own on the hard side of life, much like it did with pride and excitement last night to cheer on our city in the game of basketball.

 This all brings my thoughts to today. Last night was a disappointment for us.  It’s a part of who we are as people, but more it’s a part of who we are as Danbury.  We are passionate about life.  We are passionate about being the best in all we do.  We don’t need to apologize for that!  However, if you feel tempted to let your disappointment turn into negative feelings, comments, and criticisms, let me please offer you a reminder from one of your sports heroes of old.  It’s a quote he lived from the Bible: “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21).  

 Today, I ask that you please remember that these young men are hurting from last night.  They are hurting in a real way, because for years they’ve said yes to the challenge of representing this city, and the weight of the basketball lore that goes with it.  Please keep in perspective that at each of their schools, these young men have shown up every day working hard in the classrooms, as well as on the court, to achieve success in their futures as much as in their sport.  Please realize that in order for these young men to even be on such a public stage last night is a testament to their willingness to sacrifice individual success and accolades, and come together as part of their teams success.  Lastly, please bear in mind that these young men were willing to push themselves to try and accomplish something of significance which others hadn’t done in decades, and with that they were willing to face the risk of falling short in front of everyone.  For that they are my heroes!

 So with this I say, I know who the true Danbury Hatters are (no matter what school you go to, you represent this ‘Hat City’).  They are the ones who are there to encourage these young men today, and will be there again next week when they lace up to fight for another championship goal.  They are not the ones looking to criticize, make excuses, to find people to blame, and find fault. The real ‘Hatters’ are the ones who’ve been there, and who will still be there for them when they graduate, go off to college, find jobs, start families, and whether they find disappointment or find success the real ‘Hatters’ will be cheering them on for better and greater things.  That’s what makes me proud of this city, it’s the people who come together and are there for each other no matter what.  So Hat’s off to these young men for being brave enough to accomplish great things, and Hat’s off to the real Danbury Hatters!

 Nathan Wilda