Thanks for the Memories Coach Weyand
Sometime in early 1991 an invitation arrived. It read:
Dear Lincoln High Basketballers from 1941 to 1959" May 24th is Hors d'oeuvres with a cash bar starting at 7 p.m. in the Piedmont Room May 25th is dinner; cocktails at 6 p.m. with a cash bar; Dinner at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room. COST: $25 per person (includes both evenings) SPECIAL GUESTS: Coach Bill Pfeiff, Coach Chuck Worrall, Coach Aldie Johnson, Principal Sam Nelson, Son Joe
Weyand and Daughter Mary Ann Robertus.
EVENT: A get together to honor Coach Lyle Weyand
PLACE: Village Motel, 52nd and O Streets, Lincoln, Nebraska
DATE: May 24 and May 25, 1991
Wives or friends are invited.
May 24 in the Piedmont Room
Dad was not aware of just what the evening was all about. I don't remember what reason Mom gave for us being there. Mom and I stepped back as Dad entered the Piedmont Room. There was a round of applause. Dad paused; speechless I am sure. In my eyes for a brief instant, there was a transformation. The players were suited up for the game; young, eager, and ready to play, ready to win, and "Coach" was at the head. There they were, 30, 40, 50 years older. The man who played on one of Dad's first teams at Lincoln High in 1941 (Don MacArthur) stood with the man who played on the 1959 team, Don Burt and many others from the years in between.
Daddy got to shake their hands, hear their kind words. I was one year old when Don McArthur played; we shook hands. Bob Pearce and Dick Means from the 1946-47 team stood side by side and we talked. I can't possibly list them all. It was just so much fun observing and listening.
Over a span of 18 years, they shared one main thing in common. They played the game and Dad was their coach. Then they went out and played the tougher game--life. And they spoke of how he had touched their lives.
The Banquet
The next evening was the dinner with more former players and friends in attendance. It was much more formal. Dad would be giving a speech. Mom and I both knew how Dad was starting to struggle with Parkinsons and had our fingers crossed for when the time came for him to take the podium. However, we had no reason to worry. His voice was strong and steady. This was the event where Dad read the poem I have on the "Tidbits" page.
The theme was "Thanks for the Memories, Coach Weyand" Several players and friends stood at the podium to relay their remembrances including Joe and, yes, me. With knees shaking as usual, I had to give my speech to honor my dad.
I have the gift they gave to Dad that night. It is a clock with a plaque engraved, "Thanks for the Memories, Coach Weyand. Lincoln High School 1941-1959"
If was so good to hear the words of praise for my dad. The best part, he could hear it too. Again, thank you to those who made it happen; John Moore, Duane Grady, Bob Pierce, and Bill Winke with help from Harold Scott.
