Passing of a legend
Discussions around sports are often heated and contentious -- you need not look further than the comments on some of the posts on this very blog to see that. It can be frustrating at times, but it's part of what draws people to sports as well. Sometimes, however, in amongst the heated discussions, we miss something: the impact the game has on coaches and the players, especially the younger players. College football clearly evokes passion, and the pros has its place, but in many ways I think high school football is the heart of the game and high school coaches are especially important. In most cases, the coaches who work at that level do it not for the money, but for the passion. Admittedly, there are some coaches at the high school level who are well compensated, but for most it's a little extra money that, spread out over the time spent, has them working at minimum wage...or less.
Yesterday morning Terry Ennis, one of the greatest high school coaches in the state of Washington, passed away after a five year battle with cancer. The most amazing part is that he was doing what he loved up until the very end. This past Saturday, Ennis coached the Wildcats of Archbishop Murphy High School to a 49-7 victory in a non-conference game.
Ennis is remembered not just for his football talent and focus on discipline and hard work, but as an inspiration for players and fellow coaches. With a 287-87 record built over 35 seasons, he is the second winningest coach in Washington high school football. He won three state championships during his career, once with Cascade High School and two with Archbishop Murphy, a school that didn't have a football program until he started it in 2000.
We may argue, we may disagree, we may fight, but above all we should remember that we do it because we love the game. And for a lucky few, like Ennis, they get to be a part of that game we all love until the very end.
Rest in peace Coach, you will be missed, but what you have taught us all will not be forgotten.
Sounds like a really good guy. I think everyone who played sports had that one or two great coaches who inspired them. For those who didn't play sports, it was usually a teacher or two who did the same.
These folks don't make a lot of money, but they perform an indispensible role in society.
Posted by: Admiral Halsey | Sep 13, 2007 4:42:15 PM
Wow...287 and 87. What a monster.
Posted by: Marty West | Sep 13, 2007 4:43:56 PM
Nice post, David... thanks.
Posted by: Brendan Loy | Sep 13, 2007 9:24:33 PM