Honoring a friend
by Todd Bergeth
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posted Feb 21 2012 8:02AM
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Sometimes I get to do things as the sports guy here at the station that are truly an honor for me, tonight is one of those things. I get to introduce Cardinal Girls Basketball Coach Brad Atchison to the crowd tonight as part of his appreciation night. Not sure I'm the most qualified guy but as soon as I was asked I said "absolutely!"
I will say I bet I've interviewed Atch the most times of anyone in his career, anjd almost universally those interviews have been entertaining and informative. Coach and I have developed a great rapport through the years and have become great friends. I've had a blast watching him smack his hands together when he didn't get a call he thought his team should have, or calmly look his players in the eye and ask them to give a little more, which they would always try and do.
I've also enjoyed playing golf on many occasions, not a pretty golf swing by the way, and playing Fantasy Football and Baseball with the coach. Dinners out after the games on occasion as well as riding the team bus to Mankato for a section playoff game. Yes I've spent many work and leisure hours in Atch's company and assistant coach Jenyne Beehler's comments in today's West Central Tribune were right on, never a discouraging word have I heard from the Coach.
I'll keep my comments at the game tonight vs Sauk Centre short and sweet, that's how he'd want it, "it's about the kids" he has said. Besides I want him to have more of a chance to address the crowd assembled, they're there for him and for the players. What a better way for Dad the Coach to retire than teaching his daughter Lindsey and her friends a few more lessons on the game of basketball, and guys like me have been happy to just be along for the ride.
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