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Dear Editor:
As we grow older we realize that certain people we have been associated with during our lives earned the distinction of always being addressed as Mr. even after we gained a greater familiarity. Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Murphy are two of those people.
Mr. Murphy started out teaching a bunch of know-it all teenage boys drivers ed some 55 years ago. He probably wondered what he got himself into, but went on to become the dean of drivers ed and was acknowledged as a true educator when it came time for driving exams.
Mr. Murphy, who taught my children and hundreds of other MP kids Phy Ed, not only taught them individual skills but they learned teamwork, sportsmanship, as well as a sense of respect and fairness. My son Joe, who currently is an elementary PE teacher, can only point out his importance as a role model.
Mr. Murphy, the football coach that every high school boy wishes he had. He had the ability to make the good ones better and everyone else strive to get better with them. He was able to take average teams and make them contenders and the not-so-average teams and make them a thorn in someone's schedule. Mr. Murphy talked about pride, loyalty, perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship as they weren't taken casually. That was how he approached the game and lived his life. He led by example and we trusted him. You could hear him now as he would raise his voice and say, suck it up and find a way, and he meant it.
Mr. Murphy, the family man, was able to pass so many of his great traits onto his boys and grandchildren.
Mr. Murphy, the man whose competitive juices never waivered whether it was coaching, softball, golfing, bowling or a game of euchre.
Mr. Murphy, thank you for making a difference.
Tim Terrill
Mineral Point, WI
PS - Mr. Murphy, when you see Big G, don't let him convince you into betting on the Bears - they still suck!