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Longest Lewis Basketball Game…Ever

"When the legs go, the heart soon follows."John Wooden A game played on Sunday, January 10, 1960 is arguably the most memorable game played in Lewis College/University history.  The game matched rivals Lewis versus Loras College. It is memorable because the game went into six overtimes and was won in “sudden death.”  What makes the game … Continue reading Longest Lewis Basketball Game…Ever →

The “Grandfather Affliction”

“Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.”  Welsh Proverb I believe that almost all men who become grandfathers will, sooner or later, come down with an affliction that I term “avus paternus empathia,” or the empathy of a grandfather.  The definition of empathy is “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.”  In the case … Continue reading The “Grandfather Affliction” →

We Were Never Bored in Braidwood

Small towns make up for their lack of people by having everyone be more interesting.      Doris "Granny D" Haddock  Preparing for another adventure: Marty Kozloswki, Louie Highbaugh, Killer Kozlowski, me, Pete Cinotto, and my brother Kenny. “Weren’t you bored growing up in Braidwood?”  Never. Growing up in my hometown of Braidwood in the '40s and '50s, I … Continue reading We Were Never Bored in Braidwood →

Continuing the Gospel of Gordie

"Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."St. Francis of Assisi In prior blog articles, I have written about lessons I learned from the greatest coach/teacher a person could have.  I played basketball and baseball for Coach Gillespie for four years and then had the opportunity to be his assistant coach for another five … Continue reading Continuing the Gospel of Gordie →

Travel Lust Started Here

“A rule of the blue road: Be careful going in search of adventure—it’s ridiculously easy to find.” William Least Heat-Moon, Blue Highways: A Journey into America As you know, I have great respect and love for my hometown, Braidwood.  I owe so much to the people who surrounded me during those critical growing years. In many ways, I … Continue reading Travel Lust Started Here →

What Our Fathers Endured

“The greatest generation was formed first by the Great Depression. They shared everything - meals, jobs, clothing.”Tom Brokaw Most people of my generation have no idea what it was like.  Compared to many others, I had it pretty easy. As the son of European ancestors living in America and a product of wonderful parents, I … Continue reading What Our Fathers Endured →

Three Jocks Past Prime Time

Written on March 15, 2006 Following is a fictitious recording on March 15, 2006 of three old-time Lewis basketball players reflecting on their time with the greatest coach of all-time, Gordie Gillespie. They are Bob Thayer, John Valaitis, and Tom Kennedy. “Three boys of Spring and Summer, Sat on a park bench on an early, … Continue reading Three Jocks Past Prime Time →