Letter to the Editor: Who is responsible for all the memories of a great basketball team?

On Friday night at Voshall Gymnasium, home of the Pittsfield Saukees, a bunch of old guys came out of the locker room. It wasn’t in warm-up gear, and it certainly wasn’t real fast, as we all joked. Perhaps none of us could touch the rim or even make it around the gym in the big circle that has become such a tradition. 

No sir. It was slow, bent over and even looked painful. Yes, we truly enjoyed the evening as we had the opportunity to see the Saukees play, speak to so many of the fans who have entered that gym for Saukee basketball for decades and, yes, catch up a bit and exaggerate the stories of yesterday — just a little more than the last time we were together. 

However, one specific thing stuck out more than anything that night. It was not the 1984-85 coaches, players and fans, but the two reporters who joined us that night. As much as we enjoyed it, it was clear they did as well. They certainly were an enormous part of our success. 

Ten players, two coaches, two Hall of Famers, four All-State athletes and several all-tourney and all-conference selections in just 12 people representing one year in Saukee athletic history were honored by the district. For many of the people in the gym that night, they may not realize there was no internet, no cellphone and certainly no recordings of athletic reporting purposes in the 80s that exist today.

You see, our memories in those days were truly created by a couple of guys who managed to spend more time away from family and on the road for months at a time. They spent more time on the road than a FedEx driver, ensuring they hit as many schools as possible to cover the hundreds of athletes in competition throughout the area.  They visited countless high school fields and gyms for nine months out of the year.

When the trip was over, they returned to their office to develop the film from their camera and write the article for the following morning’s sports section from the many shorthand notes taken as they attempted to get the quotes of coaches and players correct. These news stories, photos and listings of stats generated the opportunity for coaches and players to be considered for so many accolades that competition generates in athletics.  It played an enormous role in the selection of state rankings, All-State teams and, most important, the keepsake of so many memories for every athlete in the area for a lifetime.   

The opportunity to hear them explain the manner in which they have seen so many changes in their profession as sports writers was one I truly enjoyed. When we departed the gym that night, perhaps 90 minutes after the game, it was the principal, the janitor and two reporters, who once again assisted a former team in making yet another memory. Like the many years before this night, they were the last to leave the building. 

To Donnie Crim and David Adam, we say thank you. Thank you for your dedication, commitment and friendships that have been established over the years.

If you are one who follows local teams or perhaps has a loved one somewhere playing in the area … make sure to say thanks to those reporters and every reporter when you see them. If you are having trouble finding them, look to the sidelines, under the baseline or perhaps gathering a quote from the loved one you are supporting. 

From each of us on the 1984-85 team, we say, “Thank you Donnie and David. We truly enjoyed seeing you both and are glad you made the trip.”

Paul Petty
Pittsfield, Illinois