Thanks for opening all those gaping holes for me back in the 6th grade when Johnny Fitz would call for one of the backs to run a sweep. I still like to think I had a few moves and broke a tackle or two, but you made us all look good. There was one time you ran a kickoff back for a touchdown because nobody could bring you down; the other side was complaining and one of our Dads said not to kick it to the big guy if you don't want him to run the ball down the field.
Then we played 7th grade hoop for Mr. Peters who was a good man and you helped us inside. That was before you made us all proud as one of the best wrestlers in the state.
I still wish you'd have played with the JIVE FIVE intramural hoop squad senior year with Jim Weiss and Brian Weld and the rest of us.
You made us proud some more at the U of I leading the Illini to the Rose Bowl so we can say we went to school with a standup guy who played in the biggest bowl of all (and there was Jim Lindeman '82 who hit a home run or a grand slam in the World Series for the Cards).
Beyond the sports you were a stand-up dude and it was a privilege to know you, attend school together and hear stories about your pushing cars around to train and making the Bears roster.
Be joining you one day,
Mike
Don't know what to stick in here, so I'll try some cracker soul:
Mike Chiropolos
Hey Rick,
Thanks for opening all those gaping holes for me back in the 6th grade when Johnny Fitz would call for one of the backs to run a sweep. I still like to think I had a few moves and broke a tackle or two, but you made us all look good. There was one time you ran a kickoff back for a touchdown because nobody could bring you down; the other side was complaining and one of our Dads said not to kick it to the big guy if you don't want him to run the ball down the field.
Then we played 7th grade hoop for Mr. Peters who was a good man and you helped us inside. That was before you made us all proud as one of the best wrestlers in the state.
I still wish you'd have played with the JIVE FIVE intramural hoop squad senior year with Jim Weiss and Brian Weld and the rest of us.
You made us proud some more at the U of I leading the Illini to the Rose Bowl so we can say we went to school with a standup guy who played in the biggest bowl of all (and there was Jim Lindeman '82 who hit a home run or a grand slam in the World Series for the Cards).
Beyond the sports you were a stand-up dude and it was a privilege to know you, attend school together and hear stories about your pushing cars around to train and making the Bears roster.
Be joining you one day,
Mike
Don't know what to stick in here, so I'll try some cracker soul:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu3rsha1ZtI