Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
Stritch For Rich
Basketball Coach & His Inspirational Fight Against ALS
In the first year I came to Milwaukee, I lived at the Coventry Apartments.
Being a young single guy with not a lot of friends, and plenty of time on my hands...I wanted to play basketball. I was told Cardinal Stritch University opened their gym twice a week, around the noon hour, for schleps like me.
After playing a couple of times, I remember a figure come in and watch us play. I asked who's that? I was quickly told, that's Rich Panella. One of the most successful basketball coaches in state history.
Of course, I went into overdrive trying to impress the coach...who merely muttered with his arms folded, "I came to scout talent, and I sure don't see any on this court."
It was the start of a great friendship. This was me, pre-marriage, before kids...and Rich and the Stritch family opened their doors and their arms to me. There were many days after playing that Rich and I would talk about the Packers...or the Brewers....or the Badgers. I can't believe Ted Thompson didn't make one of us assistant GM with all of our opinions and ideas.
Well, clearly I was shocked when I found out Rich has ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, and honored when Rich's lifelong friend, Rick Majerus called me, Steve "The Homer" True and Tom Pipines to tag team and emcee a banquet in Rich's honor.
Here's the day, as Stritch bands together for Rich. Click on the video link to find out how Rich is one of the most decent human beings you'll ever encounter in your life. And for more info on how to get involved with Rich and the fight against ALS, just go to: http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/WisconsinWalk?px=2580485&pg=personal&fr_id=6468
Thoughts and prayers with you, Rich!
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
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