So Long, Coach

I was in Arizona last week when I learned of the death of Dick Brock.

I can’t say it was a surprise because when I last spoke to him at Gordy Robertson’s funeral a few weeks back, it was apparent he was in failing health.

I will really miss this guy.

When I first started, Dick was one of the first hoops coaches I got to know well. We had a great working relationship because he was one of the type of coaches I most respect: He spoke his mind. He was candid, yet tactful and caring.

After he retired, we stayed in touch. It was a virtual guarantee to see him on press row at state basketball tournaments, and I shouldn’t reveal this, but I probably had something to do with that. I got Dick a few tournament passes after he retired (a no-no according to the WIAA) and if he was at a tourney I was covering, he always joined me on press row. If I was out of town at another tourney, I know Dick still went to Tacoma or Seattle and loved to watch and stay in touch with hoops.

I gave Dick tourney passes because he earned them. Anyone who devotes their life to the sport like he did, and who put in the enormous amount of largely thankless time like he did, deserves a tourney pass and much more.

Besides, I loved having him beside me at tournaments. His insight into the game, and his assessments of certain players, was invaluable, and always interesting. And he was just fun to be around. You won’t find a friendlier guy.

I was lucky to know Dick and feel very fortunate I got to chat with him a bit a few weeks ago. I love that generation of coaches and hate it when we lose one.