Chris and I have been in Omaha for a little more than five years now. It seems like an eternity since we left Waterloo, Iowa, in search of something new. We loved our house, our neighborhood and our friends. But we were stuck in jobs that weren't likely to change for the better anytime soon.
So we left. Like most people who leave a place after many years (I lived there for 9, counting school), we kept tabs on things.
Because of my former occupation -- high school sports writer -- this was a terrible blow when I read it yesterday morning. How could this happen? Why?
I interviewed Ed Thomas a dozen times, maybe more. Like everybody else, I'd heard the stories about his program and everything he did for the kids and the town.
I covered probably five for six Aplington-Parkersburg games (at least) in my time there. When I interviewed his players afterward, you could tell they'd been directed on how to handle themselves. It was apparent he cared not only about winning, but about crafting a well-rounded individual.
That theme has been echoed in all of the comments about him, in all of the stories flying around the internet. My former colleagues are now charged with writing those stories. I feel for them, for I know they felt the same way about him.
Ed Thomas was a good man. He was a constant. I'm going to miss him, even though I've been gone for five years.
2 comments:
Just stumbled onto your blog for the first time in a while. Thanks for rallying the troops for that Wed night ride a few weeks back, great ride. Sorry to see your latest misfortune. I believe you'll be stronger for it. I'm guessing your a man of faith. you seem to take some huge blows in stride. Take care.
Hey Mike -- I'm less a man of faith and more of an optimist. Getting all worked up and bummed about stuff doesn't do anybody much good. It can always be worse, so I'm just thankful to be where I am.
I'll be back on the bike soon -- no worries.
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