“Having a family member (or friend) with you on a special occasion makes for an extraordinary memory; without a family member on that occasion it makes for unforgettable regret.”Tom Kennedy In the course of a lifetime, one is lucky to be in the presence of outstanding people. Having worked alongside those who were superb human … Continue reading Meeting Wooden, Williams, and Blanc: Icons of an Era
Blog Articles
“What do Generations do? They re-generate and evolve.”
“Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” George Orwell What is a generation? It is usually acknowledged that a generation is considered roughly 20-25 years. As I write, there are seven living American generations, all with labels attached that denote … Continue reading “What do Generations do? They re-generate and evolve.”
“Your Great Grandparents Live in You.”
An Unsolicited Letter to the Grandkids I failed to gather important information about my great grandparents until I was in my 30s. After our family moved from Joliet to Wilmington, Illinois - the birthplace of my parents - I was shamed by the fact that I kept meeting folks who were distant relatives. Until that … Continue reading “Your Great Grandparents Live in You.”
College Intramurals: Equally Important with Intercollegiate?
"A case could be made that intramural games are even more important than intercollegiate, or extramural, games." Tom Kennedy Between 1967 and 1980, Lewis College (University) intramural games took on a life that overwhelmed nearly all other college endeavors - including academics. For a five-year period, I served as co-director in the Christian Brothers University … Continue reading College Intramurals: Equally Important with Intercollegiate?
Letter #2 to Unknown Great Grandkids
As I stated in my first letter to great grandkids who are yet to be born, my purpose in writing to you (born between 2025 and 2035) is to give you my perspective on the state of the world and to shed light on the person you someday will refer to as one of “my … Continue reading Letter #2 to Unknown Great Grandkids
“How much $$$ do you want for your baseball cards?”
From the age of 12, I collected baseball cards because I was a baseball fan. I did not collect and trade cards for any other reason. At age 80, my reason remains the same. My most poignant memory at that age involved a quick stop at Floyd Nielsen’s local drug store on Main Street on … Continue reading “How much $$$ do you want for your baseball cards?”
A Family’s Defining Moment on a Sunday in 1971
“An Oak tree is a daily reminder that great things often have small beginnings.” Matshona Dhliwayo When the parents were away. the kids were angels. We wouldn’t go very far. We knew from experience that travelling with the kids would inevitably be interrupted by disputes and urgent toilet issues. At the minimum, four of the kids … Continue reading A Family’s Defining Moment on a Sunday in 1971
The Golden Age of Lewis Intramural Games
Reflections on a Time Past: 1967-1972 Over the course of five years as Intramural Co-director at Lewis, I can truthfully reflect on that time as the absolute highlight of my 50 years of higher education experience. For all of the stressful, problem-laden times that we endured – and we had those societal problems – there are … Continue reading The Golden Age of Lewis Intramural Games
Teammates for Life: Tony Delgado
"A teammate is someone with whom you strive for a common goal. In sports, it is a collection of humans that work together to score more points than their common opponent, an opponent that has the motivation to do the same against your group. On an individual basis, my teammates help make me a better … Continue reading Teammates for Life: Tony Delgado
Coaching with Gordie: A Path to All Paths
"What we have learned from our teachers is far more important than their physical presence. Our teachers have transmitted to us the fruit of all their wisdom and experience." Thich Nhat Hanh Thousands of athletes have had the opportunity to be coached by Gordon Gillespie. Arguably the most outstanding coach that the country has ever seen, … Continue reading Coaching with Gordie: A Path to All Paths
Braidwood Beginnings 