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)

Flynn Wisdom (Escanaba Daily Press)

February 8, 2012

Dan Flynn impacted countless students, coaches and more during  four decades coaching at Escanaba High School and also a handful as a member of our MHSAA Representative Council. He retired from coaching Monday -- and through the Escanaba Daily Press' Denny Grall, passed on a number of points of wisdom he's picked up during his travels from growing up in Chicago to becoming one of the most recognized sports people not only in the Upper Peninsula, but in statewide high school circles.

A great excerpt from the story's first few paragraphs: "I was like a Sherman tank years ago. ... I came to understand that was not the way to get people going in the same direction. You say I've mellowed. I think I'm more compassionate."

There are many more throughout this great read. Click below to check it out.

Caring for kids was Flynn's priority