From Dan Conway to Dickens’ Tiny Tim?

The following is another “Have Fun or Get Out of the Way” column by award-winning Don Leighton and Mike Granlund and their alter egos, Lance Boyle and Billy Pirkola, which runs occasionally in The Superior Telegram.

What can you say about Dan Conway that hasn’t already been said? I can echo what others have said including he’s a great coach, teacher, mentor, advisor, role model, world-class athlete, all-around nice guy, one who cares for others and friend to all he meets.

I probably have forgotten more than one appropriate attribute of Coach Conway, however, I may be the first to ever call him brave in the face of potential doom and/or disaster. Or, perhaps he had nothing to with when his coaching retirement party is to be held. In that case, the organizers of this soiree to celebrate the many faceted career of Conway may be the brave ones. More on that later.

There will be a reception to celebrate many things about this man, including his many years of coaching, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27. This special event will be at the Boys and Girls Club on Catlin Avenue in Superior.

There will be music, juggling, entertainment, story-telling, tips on running provided by Conway and Lance Boyle, and snacks and refreshments. This man has been, and will continue to be, a giant in the disciplines of cross country and distance running.

What a professional career he had. Many take him for granted because that’s the way we are. Because he is from Superior and does not toot his own horn, his exploits may not seem as great as they are. Suffice it to say, Conway should be honored and appreciated because of his world class athletic exploits, but also because of the type of person he is. I am honored to know him because he is a world class human being.

One who knows him better than me is Superior High School activities director Ray Kosey. His remarks say volumes.

“Coach Conway was not only a very accomplished runner but also a great coach and role model for the cross country students at Superior High School,” Kosey said. “The school district of Superior would like to thank him for all he has done to promote the SHS cross country program and help our students become better runners, students and people. We want to wish Coach Conway the best in his endeavors after coaching. He will be missed but never forgotten for establishing and maintaining a successful cross country program at SHS.”

Earlier I mentioned taking Dan for granted which reminds me of the holiday movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I won’t go into the story line of the movie, but if you have never seen it, get with the program. You are missing the best Christmas movie with the most important message in the history of mankind.

Just think of all of the kids Conway has influenced through his coaching. Now, imagine the void there would be had he not been a part of our community and coaching fraternity. I would rather not. Thank you Dan for having been part of so many young student/athlete lives. Your influence will be felt for years to come as your guidance will be handed down to succeeding generations by those you directly affected.

Now for the “brave and in the face of potential doom and/or disaster” stuff. With those pesky Mayan’s predicting the end of the world as we know it on Dec. 21, 2012, which is today, why would a party be scheduled after our demise?

I’m not too sure, but I am picking up my new Dodge Durango from Mike McLean and Burleigh Randolph at Superior Chrysler at 9 this morning. I promised them I would pay for it on Monday. The way I look at it, if the world ends today, hopefully it will be late this evening. I’m a glass is half full kind of person, so, I will have my Durango for a day and never have to pay for it if. If we’re still here Monday, I guess it was a weekend test drive. How’s that for half full?

The world will not end today because I have too many things to write about, too many things to do, and much more money to raise for Hunger Takes no Holiday, as we are beginning our fourth year of helping provide food to those who are food insecure in Superior and Douglas County.

We have some great ideas from our all-star committee, and some really great people and businesses that are on board to help us reach this year’s goal of collecting $40,000. This amount will provide $400,000 worth of food, or 200,000 meals to those area residents in need. More information on how you can help will be forthcoming after the first of the year.

With all sincerity, I know I speak for everyone, “Mr. Conway, thank you for everything you have done and for the positive influence you will continue to have.”

If those Mayan’s are right, I will be soooo mad!!!

CORRECTIONS: In the most recent football article highlighting the exploits of Mark Moselle, an error was submitted that indicated his dad, Dom, was on the 1959 NFL champion Cleveland Browns. The year should have been 1950.

Also, the spelling of Walt Mizinski was incorrect. Lance listed it as Mozinski. Lance is getting tired.

Lance and Billy want to wish everyone an incredibly happy holiday season, the merriest Christmas and the happiest new year imaginable.

As Tiny Tim said, “And God bless us, every one.”

Opinions and/or story ideas can be e-mailed to dleigh1273@aol.com.

Tags: have fun or get out of the way, collections, sports, preps, spartans, running, updates