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)

Kermit's Baton (Birmingham Eccentric)

March 6, 2012

Michigan's track and cross country community mourned the loss two weeks ago of former Birmingham Seaholm coach Kermit Ambrose, who died after a full 101 years including many putting a heavy stamp on the high school running scene.

Of course, Ambrose's influence stretched far outside high school as well. Marty Budner fills us in on the details in the story linked below, and then paints a fabulous picture of a former coach who affected thousands during more than a century.

It's not only the wins and losses — of which Kermit had many more of the former, but it's also the relationships developed and lessons learned. Many coaches will tell you the best part of their job is helping to teach life lessons and striving to make an impact along the way.

Kermit Ambrose was that kind of teacher.

Read more:

Ambrose: Friend, mentor to all

Ambrose makes an awesome run through life (column)