The Tragic Story of Wes Leonard

I'm sure most of you have probably seen the story of Wes Leonard, the 16 year old Michigan High School basketball player, who died suddenly after making a last second shot during a playoff basketball game on March 3rd.

It was definitely a tragic news story about a life that ended too quickly, but as a parent and coach I was lifted by the reaction of that community and the support that has been provided the family. Unfortunately it often takes something like this for us to realize what a great community of people are brought together by athletics. We hear so often about the abusive parent and other problems in sports but not nearly enough about how athletics brings together people, provides a lifetime of friendships and memories, and in this time of tragedy for the family of Wes Leonard, a great support system.

I wanted to write something about this story because I was really struck by the words of Ryan Klingler, the coach of the Fennville High School basketball team. In the press conference after Fennville lost in the playoffs Coach Klingler was asked a question about Wes and Ryan answered, "Wes was pretty darn special to a lot of people. I know I probably never took the time to tell him how great he was. So I'll make sure I'll do a better job of letting people know how much I care about them, how important they are."

What a great message to take as a coach and parent as you move through the baseball season. In the end it's really just a game. It's what the players learn from the game and the relationships that they develop that are important. As coaches it's how we influence our players that is truly the most important aspect of why we are out there. I know when I look back on my playing days I remember first and foremost my coaches and the friends that I developed over the years.  Try to take from what Ryan learned through this terrible tragedy and let your players know how important they are to you and to the team as you coach this year.

Don Edlin
QCBaseball.com