the past This blog was created to remember one of the greatest coaches and people that any one of us has ever met or could ever aspire to be. We're hoping to use this as a way to keep in touch and keep alive all of our memories with him over the years. So everyone, please feel free to send Mr.B a message by leaving posts or pictures or memoirs, this is now our connection. By writing past memories of Mr.B or your time with Mr.B we will be able to accurately honor his years of spreading light into all of our lives. It can be anything!
MEMORIES WITH MR.B
Posts
My favorite memories of Grampa have always been involved with the Red Sox. One in particular was in 2007, the first series with the Yankees. The Sox were down by 5 in the sixth. He turned to me and said, "Watch, they will win this game..." Sure enough, the Sox rode another magical comeback to win the game and give me and my grandfather a great memory. Thank you Grampa for all the good times and I hope that we can have more in the future to share.
ReplyDelete-Connor
How can I put into words someone who inspired me so much, at probably the hardest time of my life, to become a strong young woman. Mr. B, the years I had on your original girls cross country team have lived on with me. I am 42 years old, and still, when I face a hardship, it is your words and your belief in me that I remember to carry me through. And they always will. Love, Alice Morrin
ReplyDeleteThat whistle! Running through woods, but that whistle would keep me going. Thanks Mr. B.
ReplyDeleteMr. B was my first grade gym teacher. I changed schools after that but caught up with him again in middle school. I didn't run cross-country, but I was involved in cheerleading and was kind of a gym rat, so I got to spend a lot of time with Mr. B., and have some great memories of him. A few stand out. In first grade, he used to call me Nanny Goat and told me we were going on a bear hunt, which terrified me. At some point, my mom must have spoken to him because we had the "bear hunt" alright, but he called it something else so I wouldn't be scared. In middle school, when I was in 7th grade, we had a cheerleading squad at TE for the first time. We had to make our uniforms and everyone was helping out. Mr. B knit one of our vests for us--not sure if he actually did it or someone else, but he came up with a knitted vest! I remember that he made everything fun and he was a wonderful teacher and an even better person. I have thought of him many times over the years and am honored to be able to thank him properly!
ReplyDeleteIn 6th grade, I was honored to run on the boys cross country team. Mr. B welcomed me with open arms! After my first year, B asked if I would like to start a girls team I really didn't know it was possible and I had no idea how to start the team! He said, "Easy, just get some friends to join"" He really made it sound easy! (This year, South Windsor just added a boys freshman soccer team and I now know it is anything but easy to start a new team in town!)Obvoiusly, he did all of the work. I just had to convince my friends that running is fun! We did not have uniforms but we did have fun, learned life lessons(that I still use today), made great friendships, and started something great! 1, 2, 3 BUDWEISER, singing (until we couldn't talk) on the bus, laughing, Mr B "clicking" his teeth, and driving Mr B crazy are some of my great memories! Mr. B had a talent to make each of "his girl's" feel special! We are each gems in his eyes and he let us know we could do anything. What a great man, what a great friend! I love him for life!
ReplyDelete1436 Maureen Duclos-Bolden
In 1990, my second year at T.E. I decided that the position of manager, for the boys cross country team, was way more appealing than running again. And of course the job was a lot easier - setting up cones, carrying clipboards, and cross country membership without having to run. Let me say that again, no running. It was awesome. However, what I failed to take into account was that it was going to be extremely difficult to convince Mr. B. of how great this change was. He wanted and expected me to run. Well he won, and quickly. My short 1 week career as a manager ended and I rejoined the ranks of the runners.
ReplyDeleteSo yeah, maybe this is kind of a cheesy memory, but it's stuck with me because of the underlying message. I was looking for an easy way out and staying on as a manager was really just a way to make myself feel like I wasn't quitting completely. But Mr. B. saw right through it and kept on me till I sucked it up and got back in the game.
In the army we say "stay in the fight". There is no break time or manager position on the sidelines for a soldier. I learned a similar lesson as a middle schooler from Mr. B.. Hoping to step off the trail and stand on the sideline, Mr. B. set me straight and got me right back out on the trail. Although unrealized at the time this was something that I would carry with me for a long time. And now the concept of staying in the game/fight is just second nature. This and other lessons learned on the streets and trails around T.E., under a phenomenal coach, still apply to the streets and trails I travel today. Thanks Mr. B.
Glen MacDonald
Captain, US Army
Iraq
I am a happy husband and a proud father of five girls, so it took me a while to get used to having "another man" in the family. They say that God always provides what you need, and our family will always need and be grateful for the "Big Guy in the Orange". Thanks Mr. B.
ReplyDeleteI remember Mr. B would stand outside the orchard during our races and as we ran by he would say something to motivate us. That really showed how great of a coach he was. Thanks Mr. B. I love you!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories of Mr. B was when he taught our whole team how to whistle. Of course, none of us were quite getting it at the time, so to demonstrate what he meant, he took out his teeth to show us where to put our fingers! None of us had known that he had had those teeth so boy were we surprised!
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note, I remember during one of our end of the year banquets, some parent or assistant coach saying that we, as his runners, would run through walls for Mr.B if he told us so. That comment always struck me as something extremely accurate and illustrative of the loyalty and dedication we all felt for Mr.B. And to this day, I still have not found another coach or mentor whom I could say the same thing for. Thanks so much Mr. B!
I don't know if I could thank Mr. B enough for all the coaching and lessons he has taught me. He didn't just coach on how to run. He taught us about hard work, teamwork, dedication, and pushing ourselves farther than we thought possible.
ReplyDeleteI remember running Glenwood in middle school and absolutely dreading that work out. During it, all I wanted to do was stop and walk but with Mr. B's encouragement I kept running. In the end, I always made it through the workout, completely exhausted and sweaty. It taught me though that the only limits we have, are the ones we give ourselves.
Thank you for everything Mr. B!
-Caitlin Neiswanger
It is truly amazing to see how many lives Mr. B has impacted over the years, I am fortunate to be one of them. He motivated, believed and connected with each in every one of us while creating a fun, competitive environment. Running on the 7th grade girls cross country team was my first experience with a structured school sport program and boy did Mr. B set the bar very high for what great coaching is all about. Thank you for all those great years in '77-'79. After reading Maureen's blog, I was reminded of some of those funny memories, the clicking teeth, the BUDWEISER cheer, and also how he taught us all the important of raise money for such as great cause such as the Jimmy Fund. Thanks for memories Mr. B! You are the best
ReplyDeleteYou were there for me during some of the most difficult days of my life. You were always a source of great strength and courage. We had a quote in the office - "A day is not waisted if a memory is made" - I don't think you ever waisted a day. It seemed like each day you always seemed to find or create a rainbow for someone. I wish I knew the words to adequately thank so I'll just say -"thanks my friend." Ken
ReplyDeleteI remember some days when we would all show up to practice beat from yesterday's practice, all hoping we would have a nice light run that day. But when we stepped outside and saw Mr. B's GREAT, smiling face no matter what practice we were about to endure we would do it with a great big smile on our face!
ReplyDeleteI have had to endure my fair share of injuries and other battles. Not running was incredibly difficult for me. Every day that I came to sit out at practice Mr. B would have something new and encouraging to tell me. Through these hard times of the seasons Mr. B would do whatever he could to make me feel 100% better! If I ever had a "bad" meet I would come home to find an e-mail from the legendary Mr. B. It would be filled with encouraging words that would lift my spirits.
Mr. B your a great, great man and no words can describe the impact that he has made on my life. The lessons he has tought me are so wonderful and I will carry them with me throughout my life; I will carry him and all that he means with me throughout my life! No words can describe my gratitude for everything he's done. Just..... Thank you!
When I was younger I played Basketball and Soccer. It wasn’t until I got to middle school that I decided to switch to Cross Country in the fall. At first, it was difficult for me to adjust to a less team oriented sport. With the help of Mr.B I soon realized I had someone with me every step of the way; running up the green monster at Wickham Park, Mr. B was always there in his bright orange shirt to get me over the hill, while running in the orchard of our home course the sound of his whistle made me push harder and when my legs wanted to give in, he was there giving words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteMr. B’s impact did not stop when I graduated middle school. Every year in high school I looked forward to the relay for life, because Mr.B and I would walk around the track together catching up. He always knows how to bring out the best in people. His motivation as a coach has helped me pursue my passion for basketball; he always believed in me and brought out my inner strength. As I continue my life journey I know Mr.B will be there, as I draw upon the life lessons he taught me as cross country runner.
Wow..see what happens when I get all emotional and misty eyed??!!?? I can't spell.....waist for waste. I don't know what I was thinking. That's what happens when you live down here - the sun, sand and golf destroy your brain cells. Oh well, if I made you laugh I made a memory - one of many we share. I guess I feel like one of those 2 old guys sitting in the top row of the bleachers......Ken
ReplyDeleteNeil Beaulieu,
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that you have coached for over 40 years. I do remember the good times that we had when I worked with you even though I left in 1970. The old timers who were there when I was there were Leo Cyr, Jerry Hilliard, Bob Ford, Kelly Secondo, Art Hottin, Nuvie Baronian, Gary Bogli, Ray Rondini, Tom Martin, Ralph Carlson, Everly Luippold, Bob Freeman, Jim O'Laughlin, and of course you, to mention just a few.
You were an integral part of this team, one of the best that I have had the pleasure to work with. We had a close knit team that could not be beat for education, fun and spirit.
I want to wish you all the best in the coming years as you finally enjoy your retirement. You deserve it.
Eric Hohenthal
Mr.B IS and forever will be the cross country team!
ReplyDelete1436
Mr. B,
ReplyDeleteThe memories attached to TE xc and JO xc are some of the fondest I have. Here are some of the things that stick out the most: team talks on the grass, free runs, running through Forest Park and then driving through Bright Nights, state, regional and nationals (Reno, NV) for JO, our big pasta dinner, being captain, friendships made, the whistle and bright orange, your support and tough love (Glenwood Dr), when I came in 2nd in the "B" race at Wickham after the girl sprinted past me to walk, you gave me a trinket with a running quote that i still have today, and last but not least, getting snowed in at Chicago after they shut down the airport (I'm not sure my dad was excited I was). I always look back at those memories and smile. It seems the memories of the pain has escaped me =)
Thank you for everything you've done for all of us. You've impacted us in ways you will never know. I will carry these memories with me always. I wish you all the best in your retirement.
-Krissy DeLuca
Mr. B,
ReplyDeleteI tried out for the team in 6th grade without the understanding of what it would bring to me. After my first year on the team, I knew what a special person you were and knew that being on this cross country team was something special. You always pushed me to achieve my best and told me I could do anything I had my mind set to. You always knew what to say to make everyone feel important and special.
I am truly blessed for knowing you and being a part of your team. I will miss you! Thank you for everything Mr. B!
Love,
Christine Lenkeit
1436
People run for many reasons, staying in shape, to get in shape or simply because they love to run. But I run for 1 reason and 1 reason only...YOU. If my sisters had not run I wouldn't have met you and if that didn't happen I probaly wouldn't be on the x-country team. Now that you are retiring it makes me want to run even more. Now running isn't because of you it is to remember you. But even without running I'll have you forever.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr. B
I love you
Neil, As a volunteer on the Suffield Middle School xc team in 2004, our first meet was against TE and both boys and girls "wooped" us. My son finished first for Suffield and there were 18 TE boys in front of him. My mouth dropped open and I thought, "I can fix this if this team were mine." The next year, we did not make it on your competition schedule and I can't blame you but MY first xc team had improved tremendously from the prior year. We finally met up with you at the state meet. My boys did not beat TE but my girls won. You were the ONLY coach to come over and congratulate us and give me a big hug and you said, "What did you do? I want to race against you next year." I thought, "Wow, this guy loves and welcomes competition!". We have had a wonderful friendly rivalry between our two teams ever since. I will miss competing against the girls coached by you. You are a great coach and role model. My team and I will miss you. You are so loved by your team, it is great loss to the state of CT and middle school cross country that you will no longer be here. Much love and admiration,
ReplyDeleteCoach Linda Begley
Suffield Middle School girls & boys XC