pic: Richard

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Taylor

Wow. Michigan just got a lot tougher (as if they needed it).

It's funny how moments like this make you realize the true impact one person can make. Richard is a wonderful example of a person who creates opportunities and makes a difference. Mentors from rookie teams have spoken with me about his unswerving support, wealth of applicable knowledge, and can-do attitude. Veteran teams, the same.

There are a couple of photos that I have but have never posted from IRI this past summer. With all of his talent and expertise, Richard was perfectly happy keeping track balls at the ready for the intense competition that only grew more intense with each match. He had sweat pouring from his face and trickling into the now-vanished beard. I haven't posted the photos because of the intensity and the sweat - they aren't flattering. But they show the work and the effort that Richard is more than happy to provide, behind the scenes like as not.

He is also a pretty good arm twister when it comes to talking folks into doing some things they might not otherwise think about doing. I'm one of those folks and I always look forward to hearing what Richard's got on his mind.

The news with his new WAI came as a sudden shock. I'm from St. Louis and very attached to it, always happy and proud that Richard was there, involved up to his eyeballs. Taylor's right about Michigan. This is a wow.