Sports letters: St. Francis' Cromwell a coach to cherish

12/13/2009

Congratulations to St. Francis football coach Dick Cromwell on his Blade coach-of-the-year award. Mark one up for the "old school" way of leading and teaching young people about what it takes to be successful.

In today's "me-me" society, our young men and women need more "old school" leaders who instill discipline, hard work, commitment, and a selfless approach for the betterment of the team, all characteristics that build character and teach life lessons.

Old school leaders, like coach Cromwell, are becoming harder and harder to find. The courage and passion it takes to be a leader who is willing to stand up for old school principles is something we all can learn from a coach like him.

The Toledo area is fortunate to have many old school leaders (i.e., Chris Hardman, Mike Vicars, Ed Heintschel). We cannot hear about these examples enough.

Tom Kontak

Genoa

I have been an avid University of Michigan fan for more than 80 years of my 89 years on this earth.

I am so digusted with the Michigan football program. I've been to many games, and I attended the OSU-Michigan game from 1945-1973.

Michigan has a very proud tradition in football. In the 21 years Bo Schembechler coached the Wolverines, they never had a losing season. Rich Rodriguez, in two years, has the worst record of any Michigan coach in the past. He's won three Big Ten games, and he never won one game on the road this year.

He's terrible, and this is terrible. He should be dismissed.

Roland Scharer

Holland

I purchased your much-promoted book Hockey Night in Toledo. For the most part it was a memory-provoking fun read. However, how can you publish a book about hockey without one mention of Jerry Francis?

He was an integral part of the success of the Goaldiggers and actually died of a heart attack caused in part by the stress of trying to save the team for Toledo fans.

I realize there is no way you can fix this oversight. It's a shame.

Bob McCarthy

Maumee

Your letter brings up a good point. He was mentioned in Page 109 of Hockey Night in Toledo book, but we didn't expand his role with the team. Thanks for reading the book.

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