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)

Cranbrook remembers Jack Sanders (Birmingham Eccentric)

April 30, 2012

The Oakland County baseball community lost a long-time supporter April 19 with the death of former Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood coach Jack Sanders, for whom the school's field was named more than a quarter-century ago, in 1975

Birmingham Eccentric sports editor Marty Budner tells of the daily presence of Sanders, who was known for maintaining the field that bears his name and also as an assistant coach beginning in 1949. Before this spring, Sanders hadn't missed an end-of-season banquet or postseason game for the team since joining the program that year.

Click below to read more:

Cranbrook baseball was passion for Jack Sanders (Birmingham Eccentric)