By Dick Luedke He whispered his broadcast. Thirteen-year-old Ricky wanted no one other than himself to hear it. “What a great day for Emerson! Fifteen of 18 unlocked screen doors and Emerson moves into a tie for the lead with Fremont heading into tomorrow’s final day of the season. Emerson captain Gary Gustafsson says he believes momentum will carry his street to the SDL … [Read more...]
The Gift
By Dick Luedke 'Twas the night before Christmas. Ricky had celebrated his 8th birthday seven days ago without any presents. Combination birthday/Christmas presents were his family’s preferred method for fulfilling gift obligations to anyone who had the misfortune of being born so close to Christmas. Efficiency was highly valued in his family. So was organization. … [Read more...]
Always A Winner, Forever A Champion
By Dick Luedke It was 1970. Doug Collins, Illinois State University's most decorated alumnus, who will be further decorated in November with his induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, had just finished a very successful freshman year at Illinois State University. Then came news that saddened the talented 19-year-old. His coach was leaving. Jim … [Read more...]
Grumpy Old Men
By Dick Luedke I was preparing to broadcast a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute, Indiana. The public address system, cranked up to an annoyingly high volume, was spitting out rap music, which was even more annoying to me than the volume at which it was being played. I was about to make a wiseacre comment to the young person sitting next to me. I was … [Read more...]
Keefer
By Dick Luedke It was a rude awakening. My deep state of sleep was blind-sided by the sound of hysterical sobbing. I quickly realized the pain-ridden shrieks responsible for my reluctant return to consciousness were coming from my wife, BJ. "What's going on???" I screamed. "It's Keefer," she cried. Despite my grogginess, it was crystal clear to me that … [Read more...]