I haven't cleared telling this story with any of the parties, but given the beauty of the story, I think it will be OK to tell...

 

Olivia Crigler a freshman guard for Holy Cross, who I might add had an outstanding game against Highlands is the granddaughter of Paul and Connie Dickman (for the Cov. Cath folks - I believe Paul is Richard's uncle. Connie is battling Lou Gerhig's disease and lives in south Florida. Connie was an elementary teacher in Ft. Thomas who took a particular interest and formed a relationship with Jamie Walz as a child. They had not been in touch for a long time 20+ years); however, Connie always followed Jamie's career both as a player and coach and obviously felt a lot of pride for Jamie's accomplishments. Last summer after hearing of Connie's illness Jamie got back in touch with Connie and they have been corresponding regularly. This has led to the Walz family and the Dickman's connecting several times over the past year including Jamie going down in the fall and spending a weekend with the Dickmans and Coach Roger Walz and his wife, Jann hosting the Dickmans when the UofL women played in South Florida a few months back.

 

It has been a beautiful story as two families have had some great interaction amongst an awful backdrop/situation.

Where is the "like" button when you need it.

I haven't cleared telling this story with any of the parties' date=' but given the beauty of the story, I think it will be OK to tell... Olivia Crigler a freshman guard for Holy Cross, who I might add had an outstanding game against Highlands is the granddaughter of Paul and Connie Dickman (for the Cov. Cath folks - I believe Paul is Richard's uncle. Connie is battling Lou Gerhig's disease and lives in south Florida. Connie was an elementary teacher in Ft. Thomas who took a particular interest and formed a relationship with Jamie Walz as a child. They had not been in touch for a long time 20+ years); however, Connie always followed Jamie's career both as a player and coach and obviously felt a lot of pride for Jamie's accomplishments. Last summer after hearing of Connie's illness Jamie got back in touch with Connie and they have been corresponding regularly. This has led to the Walz family and the Dickman's connecting several times over the past year including Jamie going down in the fall and spending a weekend with the Dickmans and Coach Roger Walz and his wife, Jann hosting the Dickmans when the UofL women played in South Florida a few months back. It has been a beautiful story as two families have had some great interaction amongst an awful backdrop/situation.[/quote']

Great story thanks for sharing! I remember my wife and I had a young Jamie Walz in the summer park program and she sent many boys home crying on the court and ball field. So she pays it forward as she now has my junior in the classroom and he absolutely adores her as a teacher. She told him how really impressed she was with his range and shot; however it takes him a week and a day to deliver it! Very true we laughed so hard it made our week. It is great to be both a wonderful coach and teacher. You got to love her!