LETTERS

Enduring influence of a coach

Posted 7/7/16

To the Editor:

I recently read a quote from the great Reverend Billy Graham. It read: “A coach will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime.” When I read …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
LETTERS

Enduring influence of a coach

Posted

To the Editor:

I recently read a quote from the great Reverend Billy Graham. It read: “A coach will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime.” When I read this quote, I could only think of how very true Reverend Graham’s statement was. I think back 50 years to 1966, my senior year at Pilgrim High School, and I think of my coaches whom I was blessed to play under.

I remember fondly with great respect, Bob Miller, Andy McGowan, Earl Lambert, Don Mezzanotte, and Tom Eccleston, of Pilgrim High School.

Don Mezzanotte, my “Hall of Fame” baseball coach, once told me, “Next to your mom and dad, it’s either an outstanding teacher or coach who will make a difference in your life.” As I reflect back on Coach Mezzanotte’s statement, he was so correct! Without the influence of these honorable men, I wouldn’t be the man and person I am today.

When I completed the 8th grade at Aldrich Junior High School in 1962, I knew without a doubt what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be a physical education teacher and coach just like my teacher heroes, Clyde Bennett and Earl Lambert.

I’ll be forever grateful to my former teachers and coaches who had a huge influence in shaping my career. I went on to teach and coach for 40 years, thanks to them!

To all my former coaches, and coaches across our nation’s schools who have shared their time and talent, “Thanks” for making a “difference” in the lives of our young people. You are “unsung heroes” in our schools today and Reverend Graham was “spot on” – a coach will impact more young people than you’ll ever know. I can vouch for that.

Thank you, men!

Richard D. Walsh

East Greenwich

Comments

1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • JohnStark

    Well said, Mr. Walsh. You certainly speak for millions.

    Thursday, July 7, 2016 Report this