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)

Today in the MHSAA: 11/24/15

November 24, 2015

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, the following are a pair of stories from communities thankful for special coaches.  

Girls Basketball

Watersmeet is mourning the loss of former girls basketball coach Norm Ellenberger, who led the program the last four seasons – after a career that took him to the NCAA Tournament, NBA and WNBA before bringing him to this Class D school – Ironwood Daily Globe

Football

Good Morning America visited Benton Harbor High School on Monday to surprise football coach Elliot Uzelac and award the school $10,000 for a scholarship in his name – and give his players an expenses-paid trip to Disney World as part of its “Thank You America” series – Good Morning America