Success in sports for participants revolves around setting goals, working to achieve them, and taking some joy with the knowledge that it is the process as much or more than the end results. Case in point are high school tournaments, rivalries, and exceeding realistic goals.
Former West Aurora High School head boys basketball coach, Gordon Kerkman, for 39 years understood and promoted excellence. More than the 2000 State championship, more than the 805-313 won-loss record, fifth best in State boys basketball history, he was a teacher whose goal was improvement for his team, teaching positive values. The special evening for him Monday this week was because he and his wife will move to the state of Oregon soon. Gratitude. Thankfulness. Emulation. They rise to the surface of understanding.