Zoom call 💜
First, I want to send my love and support to Suzanne, Claudine, Cris and their families. I know this is a deep loss for them.
The last time I spoke to Coach was a couple years ago when I was on one of my many girls’ trips with former teammates/roommates Rita (Graves) Jackson, Kelly (Wenlock) Donovan and Renee (Williams) Smith. We were in New York City and ended up on a zoom call with Coach. It was so fun and special. It meant a lot to him that we girls were still so close because friendships were important to him. We got caught up and laughed…oh, did we laugh! It had been years since we had talked to him and it was so natural and fun. We girls still talk about it and will raise a glass to him on our next trip.
It is not surprising that Coach could transition out of track into university administration and business. He was definitely not one-dimensional; he was smart, charismatic, professional, and had a real business savvy not always seen in coaching.
The thing I will remember most is his empathy for his athletes, his friends and his family. During some really difficult times in my life, he would not just hug me, he embraced me with a kindness that I found so comforting. He and Suzanne played a huge role in my life and I will always be grateful. If you had a problem, and needed someone to listen, Coach would give you his full attention, thoughtful advice, and sincere compassion.
Bringing me to K-State and then Nike changed my life.
Thank you, Coach!!
Go Cats!
