Diamond Inspiration (Oakland Press)

April 30, 2012

Kate Rendi's biggest contributions to the Walled Lake Central baseball team formerly came with a pencil and scorebook.

But the Oakland Press' Keith Dunlap tells us about the inspiration Rendi is providing this spring as she battles Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Dunlap sums it up:

Yes, her teammates no doubt appreciate her chronicling things such as doubles, stolen bases or strikeouts, but these days they appreciate even more something Rendi provides that can’t simply be written down on a scoresheet.

Instead, Rendi’s big contributions have been how she’s touched the hearts and minds of the players and been an inspiration, providing a life example that the baseball players will likely never forget.

Click below to read the entire piece: 

Walled Lake Central's Rendi inspiring baseball team (Oakland Press)

Called to Coach (Bay City Times)

May 30, 2012

Even for the best, coaching wouldn't be referred to as "easy" -- and many would argue that it's grown tougher as time commitment, financial need and parental influence all have increased.

And yet, there are thousands who every year continue to lead our programs. The Bay City Times' Cory Butzin recently explained some of the reasons why in his three-part series, "Called to Coach." 

Below are links to all three parts:

Part 1: Teaching young athletes is a high school coach's biggest reward

Part 2: High school coaches put in the time

Part 3: Support on the home front is crucial for a high school coach