In Memory

George Henderson (Physical Education)

George Henderson (Physical Education)



 
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06/17/12 10:23 PM #1    

Tom Winslow

Coach Henderson was very influential in my life .  He was in many ways a surrogate father.  My father had a stroke when I was twelve and died when I  was 16.  During my first wo years at Custer I worked in the AD office for him. Although he was formidable, I  was always fairly treated.  When I joined the swim team as manager he included me in many things that he need not have.  I remember several meals at his house with his wife Jean and the boys, Jim and Bill.  When Bill was a POW I and many others wore a bracelet with his name on it.  I didn't  take it off until he came home

During the winter coach frequently gave me a ride home after practilce.  He and Bill Ritter (UWM coach) trained me as a swimming referee.  Thanks to coach, I was certified in my junior year. The only problem was that I could not be assigned to Custer meets.  I spent a considerable amount of time on busses !.  I remember getting into trouble at one meet because I missed a diver who dove in the wrong position.  The opposing coach was screaming for a disqualification. The correct action was a reduction in score by one third.  Being a rookie I didn't know that until I looked it up in the rule book.  Coach's whole response when I told him about it was, "You won't do that again".  I didn't and fifty years later I remember both the rule and the lesson.

We all die and I still miss him.  My only regret was that I never had the insisight to thank him.  Thanks Coach you will forever remain in my heart.


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