Flint Loses a Coaching Jewel (Flint Journal)
September 25, 2012
The Flint sports community lost a longtime contributor Monday, and one that no doubt left heavy hearts all over Michigan. Longtime Flint Powers Catholic coach Jack Pratt died at the age of 84.
His career covered roughly a half-century and included more than 300 football wins and nearly 400 on the basketball court. He coached well into the last decade and into his late 70s. Ross Maghielse memorializes him well.
From High School to Olympic Swimming
July 11, 2012
Fans of U.S. Swimming already have plenty of reasons to cheer for Missy Franklin later this month at the Summer Olympics -- she's only 17, but qualified to compete in a U.S. women's all-time best seven events.
But fans of high school sports and what they provide athletes at all levels of ability can also support her for how she's chosen to compete when she's not racing against the best in the world.
Franklin, who lives in Colorado, has continued to swim for her high school team despite the financial rewards she could've earned by taking the elite swimmer's usual path of going pro.
A ton has been written about Franklin lately, for obvious reasons. Below is a link to a New York Times story from February that focused on her continued dedication to her high school team.
Before the Olympic Trials, There’s This Big High School Meet (New York Times)