Post by nighthawk on Mar 22, 2005 0:55:26 GMT -6
Coach Pearl
I have no way of knowing if this will reach you before the Illinois game on Thursday, but I felt there are a few things I needed to say.
I am the proud step-father of a 9 year old boy who, until recently, knew very little about college athletics.
Zach's first exposure to UWM in person was the Loyola game this season, and from the first moments he was transfixed. He watched in amazement at the skills of the players on the court, and the excitement surrounding the game as well.
Over the course of the season we shared many moments discussing the roster, watching games on television, and attending games together. We were fortunate enough to have seats directly above the tunnel used by the UWM players to enter the arena, and Zach took full advantage of slapping hands with every player he could before and after every UWM game.
However, the most magical moment for Zach occurred at the Tournament Selection party on campus. You had know way of knowing, but you and your players played a very important role in shaping a young man's life that night.
After the seedings were announced and things had calmed a bit, Zach approached several players for autographs, and every single player took the time to not only sign his shirt, but to speak with him and try to make him feel as important as they could. Walter Waters sat Zach on his lap and helped him get the autographs of some of his teammates. Chris Hill took the time to ask Zach how his own game was progressing, and Mark Pancratz discussed their common love of Live Strong bracelets.
Most moving of all for me, however, was when he approached you. You were in the midst of a media frenzy, with reporters and cameras seeking your attention. He approached you, and you stopped, took the time to talk to him for a few precious minutes, signed his shirt, shook his hand and then posed for impromptu photos with the UWM Post photographer.
You had no way of knowing anyone was paying attention. All you saw was an awe struck 9 year old boy. What you didn't see was a proud father with tears in his eyes as the events unfolded from the other side of the room. I am forever grateful to have seen your true character that day. What a man does when he thinks no one will notice says more than anything he ever does in public. On that day, you became the living symbol of The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee for Zach.
He has decided that UWM is where he will attend college, and as a second generation alum, I couldn't be prouder.
I am prouder still to have seen a glimpse of your character, and will never forget the look on his face when he told me that this was a day he will never forget.
When you walk into the Allstate Arena on Thursday night, I am sure you will hear many horrible and disgusting things said about you. I believe I can speak confidently for the entire population of UWM students, faculty, and alumni when I say you will certainly not be alone.
We will be there with you, stride for stride. We will be there in body and in spirit. You are part of us. We are like family. Put on the shield and armor of the Black and Gold. Know that you never walk alone, here or anywhere else.
God's richest blessings on you, your family, your wonderful players and staff.
Tell Joah and the boys that Zach's behind them, and believes they can prevail.
As he said tonight "Number 1? So what, they're the Panthers! They'll win."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Most Sincerely
Nathan Sass
UWM Class of 1998
I have no way of knowing if this will reach you before the Illinois game on Thursday, but I felt there are a few things I needed to say.
I am the proud step-father of a 9 year old boy who, until recently, knew very little about college athletics.
Zach's first exposure to UWM in person was the Loyola game this season, and from the first moments he was transfixed. He watched in amazement at the skills of the players on the court, and the excitement surrounding the game as well.
Over the course of the season we shared many moments discussing the roster, watching games on television, and attending games together. We were fortunate enough to have seats directly above the tunnel used by the UWM players to enter the arena, and Zach took full advantage of slapping hands with every player he could before and after every UWM game.
However, the most magical moment for Zach occurred at the Tournament Selection party on campus. You had know way of knowing, but you and your players played a very important role in shaping a young man's life that night.
After the seedings were announced and things had calmed a bit, Zach approached several players for autographs, and every single player took the time to not only sign his shirt, but to speak with him and try to make him feel as important as they could. Walter Waters sat Zach on his lap and helped him get the autographs of some of his teammates. Chris Hill took the time to ask Zach how his own game was progressing, and Mark Pancratz discussed their common love of Live Strong bracelets.
Most moving of all for me, however, was when he approached you. You were in the midst of a media frenzy, with reporters and cameras seeking your attention. He approached you, and you stopped, took the time to talk to him for a few precious minutes, signed his shirt, shook his hand and then posed for impromptu photos with the UWM Post photographer.
You had no way of knowing anyone was paying attention. All you saw was an awe struck 9 year old boy. What you didn't see was a proud father with tears in his eyes as the events unfolded from the other side of the room. I am forever grateful to have seen your true character that day. What a man does when he thinks no one will notice says more than anything he ever does in public. On that day, you became the living symbol of The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee for Zach.
He has decided that UWM is where he will attend college, and as a second generation alum, I couldn't be prouder.
I am prouder still to have seen a glimpse of your character, and will never forget the look on his face when he told me that this was a day he will never forget.
When you walk into the Allstate Arena on Thursday night, I am sure you will hear many horrible and disgusting things said about you. I believe I can speak confidently for the entire population of UWM students, faculty, and alumni when I say you will certainly not be alone.
We will be there with you, stride for stride. We will be there in body and in spirit. You are part of us. We are like family. Put on the shield and armor of the Black and Gold. Know that you never walk alone, here or anywhere else.
God's richest blessings on you, your family, your wonderful players and staff.
Tell Joah and the boys that Zach's behind them, and believes they can prevail.
As he said tonight "Number 1? So what, they're the Panthers! They'll win."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Most Sincerely
Nathan Sass
UWM Class of 1998
Phenomonal!! Huge! Rack Him!!!