Letter to the Editor

Recognizing the great among us

Monday, March 16, 2020

To the Editor:

I’m not accustomed to writing letters to the editor, but a couple of things have happened in my adopted hometown that motivated me to express my feelings on paper as I don’t have anyone to express them to.

First of all, I was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Fred Ridge. Dr. Ridge was my doctor for several years and he helped me a great deal. I feel like he put me back on the road to health which I enjoy today. I’m sure all of his patients feel the same as me. His passing is not only a blow to his family and the medical community, but to the greater community as a whole. He was a good man and a very dedicated doctor. Thank you Doctor, may you rest in peace.

Second about the record-breaking performance of the Linton Lady Miners. I was home listening to the game. I was quite excited about the Lady Miners obliterating their opponents. Then the play-by-play man said the Lady Miners had a sub coming into the game. This would be a normal circumstance as coaches send players in and out of games, but this would not be an ordinary circumstance. The new player was Lydia McCammon. Most people in Linton did not know Lydia’s grandfather is in the hospital in Indianapolis fighting for his life due to a horrible accident he suffered. Coach Rehmel’s decision to send Lydia into the game alone was I’m sure inspiring and uplifting to Ed’s family and friends of which I am certainly one. I had tears in my eyes and I’m a crusty old man who rarely sheds tears but they flowed then. It was quite a moment.

There is a saying in sports that a team will always reflect the personality of their coach. It must be true. In this case, the Linton Lady Miners, in large part, are the champions they are because they have a coach with so much class as a role model.

Congratulations Coach Rehmel and your young ladies on your tremendous championship performance. I’m sure it will be talked about for years to come.

Ron Miller, Linton