Here is the video tribute to Coach Meddock. It's in two parts because YouTube has ten minute time limit. Each segment is about eight minutes.
Part 1
Part 2
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Growing up with the Coach
I figure it is better to be late than never and I have read many of these tributes and thank everyone for taking the time to pay tribute to my dad. I thought I would include a few of my memories growing up which might give everyone a different perspective:
I remember Shawn and I wanting to build a snowman and needing my dad's help, he had to get to practice but my mom, (who can be pretty persuasive) telling my dad that he needed to go build that snowman. I remember laughing as he built that snowman with us in about 3-1/2 minutes, he had to get to practice,
I remember in elementary school smarting off to a teacher and somehow being in trouble with him before I even got off the bus,
I remember my punishment, as a fifth grader going to that teacher the next morning and looking him in the eye and apologizing for being disrespectful,
I remember my Dad always being at practice, coming home after dark in the winter, practicing all summer long,
I remember the thousands of dinners my mom would put in the oven, covered with aluminum foil keeping them warm until he got home from practice,
I remember my Dad not being home until after I went to bed on Tuesday and Thursday nights because he was at Turners,
I remember how many times my mother would be upset with the amount of time my Dad spent with all of you, his gymnasts, instead of us;
I remember the one LOSS, my mother telling us to be quiet and not to wake up my Dad the Ambridge Gymnastic Team lost, which just did not happen. I remember how my Dad was not phased by the loss (at least he didn't let us see it). I remember how he taught us the importance of winning and losing with grace and dignity.
I remember the countless hours of my Dad giving me advice as I would stare out the window trying to ignore him as a teenager and despite how I tried to not to listen I am surprised how much of it stuck and how right he always was
I remember the joy of Jr. High when MY DAD was teaching sex ed and how many times someone came to to me and exclaimed, "Hey guess what YOUR DAD told me today in health."
I remember how many times that whenever I screwed up he somehow always seemed to be coming around the corner just in time to pin me against the lockers,
and I remember how it feels to have a locker handle jammed into your spine.
I remember a turning point in my Jr. High life came when some "punk" kid in 8th grade, upset at my Dad, started to publicly calling him names to my face. That was MY Dad your talking about and he is a good man and I great father, and that was not going to stand. I also remember how good it felt to jam his spine into a locker handle,
I remember how he would always take a couple "out of shape" kids under his wing in gym, kids who wanted to be better and would be willing to work at it and he had a way of about him that changed those kids. He would never give up on anyone who didn't give up on themselves.
I remember that my dad went to everyone of my HS football games and always had advice on what I could improve on.
I remember how simplistic his rules were growing up, I wasn't to embarrass him or the Meddock name, I can't stop you from drinking and things like that, but if I catch you I can stop you from driving my car. I also remember that I knew he meant it.
I remember as I got older how my pride in my father's accomplishments grew year by year, especially as I saw the respect that his gymnasts of my age had for him.
I remember how whenever I ever really needed my dad in my life, he was there to provide the support and guidance (not to mention a lot of unsolicited follow-up advice)
I remember that not matter what the circumstance my Dad always had the instinct and moral compass to evaluate any situation and always do what is right
I will always remember that on a Saturday in June a group of people will travel great distances to pay tribute to my Dad, who personally sacrificed a lot to take a bunch of kids, willing to work and made them better and not just on the field or floor of competition.
And to my Dad I want you to always remember that I could not be prouder for what you have accomplished in your life and what you have taught me from your examples.
Mike
I remember Shawn and I wanting to build a snowman and needing my dad's help, he had to get to practice but my mom, (who can be pretty persuasive) telling my dad that he needed to go build that snowman. I remember laughing as he built that snowman with us in about 3-1/2 minutes, he had to get to practice,
I remember in elementary school smarting off to a teacher and somehow being in trouble with him before I even got off the bus,
I remember my punishment, as a fifth grader going to that teacher the next morning and looking him in the eye and apologizing for being disrespectful,
I remember my Dad always being at practice, coming home after dark in the winter, practicing all summer long,
I remember the thousands of dinners my mom would put in the oven, covered with aluminum foil keeping them warm until he got home from practice,
I remember my Dad not being home until after I went to bed on Tuesday and Thursday nights because he was at Turners,
I remember how many times my mother would be upset with the amount of time my Dad spent with all of you, his gymnasts, instead of us;
I remember the one LOSS, my mother telling us to be quiet and not to wake up my Dad the Ambridge Gymnastic Team lost, which just did not happen. I remember how my Dad was not phased by the loss (at least he didn't let us see it). I remember how he taught us the importance of winning and losing with grace and dignity.
I remember the countless hours of my Dad giving me advice as I would stare out the window trying to ignore him as a teenager and despite how I tried to not to listen I am surprised how much of it stuck and how right he always was
I remember the joy of Jr. High when MY DAD was teaching sex ed and how many times someone came to to me and exclaimed, "Hey guess what YOUR DAD told me today in health."
I remember how many times that whenever I screwed up he somehow always seemed to be coming around the corner just in time to pin me against the lockers,
and I remember how it feels to have a locker handle jammed into your spine.
I remember a turning point in my Jr. High life came when some "punk" kid in 8th grade, upset at my Dad, started to publicly calling him names to my face. That was MY Dad your talking about and he is a good man and I great father, and that was not going to stand. I also remember how good it felt to jam his spine into a locker handle,
I remember how he would always take a couple "out of shape" kids under his wing in gym, kids who wanted to be better and would be willing to work at it and he had a way of about him that changed those kids. He would never give up on anyone who didn't give up on themselves.
I remember that my dad went to everyone of my HS football games and always had advice on what I could improve on.
I remember how simplistic his rules were growing up, I wasn't to embarrass him or the Meddock name, I can't stop you from drinking and things like that, but if I catch you I can stop you from driving my car. I also remember that I knew he meant it.
I remember as I got older how my pride in my father's accomplishments grew year by year, especially as I saw the respect that his gymnasts of my age had for him.
I remember how whenever I ever really needed my dad in my life, he was there to provide the support and guidance (not to mention a lot of unsolicited follow-up advice)
I remember that not matter what the circumstance my Dad always had the instinct and moral compass to evaluate any situation and always do what is right
I will always remember that on a Saturday in June a group of people will travel great distances to pay tribute to my Dad, who personally sacrificed a lot to take a bunch of kids, willing to work and made them better and not just on the field or floor of competition.
And to my Dad I want you to always remember that I could not be prouder for what you have accomplished in your life and what you have taught me from your examples.
Mike
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thanks for the Memories
For me Mr. Meddock will be just that, Mr. Meddock. I don't believe I could address him any other way. I read some of the other blogs, nicknames I am unfamilar with. Even if he would ask me to, calling him by his first name would be difficult and very uncomfortable. In my early years this would have been out of fear, now it is because of the utmost respect I have for him. So Mr. Meddock, this is for you.
Over the years I have told others what a fantastic coach, teacher and mentor you were but I never had or took the time to tell you. I am very thankful to have that opportunity now and tomorrow at PNC Park.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to help shape into who I have become. The one on one "discussions" held in the B-E hallway or shop are more appreciated now than they were then.
Everyone generally knew what a trip to the hall was going to entail. But what has stuck with me over the years was the respect you showed us by the discussions ( or chewing outs) being held in private. They were embarrassing moments then, fond memories now.
Thanks for teaching us to be the best we could be at a sport, whether it be in gymnastics, track or in my case both. Being a great coach does not necessarily mean knowing the sport inside and out. I see pro athletes who knew their sport very well, do, in my opinion, very poorly as a coach.
You were not a gymnast yourself, could not perform the tricks you were teaching, but yet taught us not only how to perform them but perform them well. The sign of a true great coach and teacher.
Thanks for making sure we got where we needed to be, practice, meets, camps and college.
I am not sure exactly how influential you were but I believe that all who wanted to go to college did and alot got some financial help in doing so. I am very grateful for all your help.
You taught me alot in my younger and formative years, and continue to teach me in my later years. Your selfless acts of attending both of my parents funerals, for me was so overwhelming.
After all the years of no contact between us, you take time to still support me. In your humble way you showed your respects.
For these and many other things I am grateful to you and for you Mr. Meddock.
In Admiration and Respect
Mike Kellinger
Over the years I have told others what a fantastic coach, teacher and mentor you were but I never had or took the time to tell you. I am very thankful to have that opportunity now and tomorrow at PNC Park.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to help shape into who I have become. The one on one "discussions" held in the B-E hallway or shop are more appreciated now than they were then.
Everyone generally knew what a trip to the hall was going to entail. But what has stuck with me over the years was the respect you showed us by the discussions ( or chewing outs) being held in private. They were embarrassing moments then, fond memories now.
Thanks for teaching us to be the best we could be at a sport, whether it be in gymnastics, track or in my case both. Being a great coach does not necessarily mean knowing the sport inside and out. I see pro athletes who knew their sport very well, do, in my opinion, very poorly as a coach.
You were not a gymnast yourself, could not perform the tricks you were teaching, but yet taught us not only how to perform them but perform them well. The sign of a true great coach and teacher.
Thanks for making sure we got where we needed to be, practice, meets, camps and college.
I am not sure exactly how influential you were but I believe that all who wanted to go to college did and alot got some financial help in doing so. I am very grateful for all your help.
You taught me alot in my younger and formative years, and continue to teach me in my later years. Your selfless acts of attending both of my parents funerals, for me was so overwhelming.
After all the years of no contact between us, you take time to still support me. In your humble way you showed your respects.
For these and many other things I am grateful to you and for you Mr. Meddock.
In Admiration and Respect
Mike Kellinger
Where would I be without Coach
Arnold, why don't you try gymnastics. That was the phrase that changed my life forever. Coming from a football family, I resisted for the longest time to commit to gymnastics. As a matter of fact, I didn't even know what it meant or what kind of sport it was. Coach continued to convince me to give it a try. Once I tried it, I never looked back. We all know that gymnastics was never used by coach as just a sport, it was used in a manner to teach life's lessons. Although not knowing it at the time, I look back now and see the real meaning of the sport of gymnastics and of Coach Dale Meddock. I am still very involved in gymnastics to this day. My wife and I own a gymnastics facility in the Tampa Bay area and have taken on the task of trying to get gymnasts scholarship. We have been very successful in this regard and it is a very difficult task. It is well worth the hard work because many of those athletes that went on to college would not have had the opportunity to go if it were not for gymnastics. I was very much the same way. If it were not for Coach's hard work, I would not have had the opportunity to experience college and own a business today. This is something that I could never repay. The experiences that I have gone through, the wife I now have, the life I now lead largely is due to Coach. I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart and appreciate you never giving up on me. I am so very sorry I could not make it there for this great occasion, I am there in spirit.
THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A LARGE PART OF MY LIFE!
Love,
Arnold Gwinn
Arnold, why don't you try gymnastics. That was the phrase that changed my life forever. Coming from a football family, I resisted for the longest time to commit to gymnastics. As a matter of fact, I didn't even know what it meant or what kind of sport it was. Coach continued to convince me to give it a try. Once I tried it, I never looked back. We all know that gymnastics was never used by coach as just a sport, it was used in a manner to teach life's lessons. Although not knowing it at the time, I look back now and see the real meaning of the sport of gymnastics and of Coach Dale Meddock. I am still very involved in gymnastics to this day. My wife and I own a gymnastics facility in the Tampa Bay area and have taken on the task of trying to get gymnasts scholarship. We have been very successful in this regard and it is a very difficult task. It is well worth the hard work because many of those athletes that went on to college would not have had the opportunity to go if it were not for gymnastics. I was very much the same way. If it were not for Coach's hard work, I would not have had the opportunity to experience college and own a business today. This is something that I could never repay. The experiences that I have gone through, the wife I now have, the life I now lead largely is due to Coach. I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart and appreciate you never giving up on me. I am so very sorry I could not make it there for this great occasion, I am there in spirit.
THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A LARGE PART OF MY LIFE!
Love,
Arnold Gwinn
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thank God for the Angels He Sends Us!
Mr. Meddock,
I remember you introduced weight lifting to our class. I went home and explained to my Dad about wanting to get weights and lifting. His answer, NO! For some reason you and I talked in school and I explained my Dad’s position, No weight lifting! You stopped at the house and talked to my parents. After this, you were at my house three evenings a week teaching and coaching and lifting weights. Thank You!
In my Senior Year at Ambridge HS, I had the opportunity one evening to play basketball with the teachers at the Economy Jr Hi gym. After the game you ask me what I would be doing after HS Graduation. I said, “looks like I will be going into the Navy”. You inquired, “Last time I talked to you I remember you saying you were going to be a teacher. Why the change?” I explained that I did not get accepted at Slippery Rock for September, and that I would need to reapply for the second semester. You invited me into your office. There you ask me, “What do you really want to do? Go to the Navy or Teach?” I answered “Teach, but I didn’t get into Slippery Rock”. You said, “There are more colleges in the U.S.A. that just Slippery Rock!” Then pushed a chair over to your closet and stood on the chair and pulled out a Morehead State University catalog. You said check this, they have Health and Physical Education. Then you advised me to go home and talk to my parents, and if I was interested in Morehead to bring the application back to you. I did, and YOU mailed it!!
I graduated from Morehead and got my Masters at Morehead. And now as of June 2008, am retiring from teaching after 39 years. Thank You!!
But even more important, I met Jeanne, now my wife of 38 years, and have a wonderful family of four boys.
I Thank You. May God Bless You and your family. And I thank God for the Angels he sends us.
As you probably know my parents had the highest respect for you!
Pat Tate
Dunkirk , New York
(posted by BK on behalf of Pat Tate)
I remember you introduced weight lifting to our class. I went home and explained to my Dad about wanting to get weights and lifting. His answer, NO! For some reason you and I talked in school and I explained my Dad’s position, No weight lifting! You stopped at the house and talked to my parents. After this, you were at my house three evenings a week teaching and coaching and lifting weights. Thank You!
In my Senior Year at Ambridge HS, I had the opportunity one evening to play basketball with the teachers at the Economy Jr Hi gym. After the game you ask me what I would be doing after HS Graduation. I said, “looks like I will be going into the Navy”. You inquired, “Last time I talked to you I remember you saying you were going to be a teacher. Why the change?” I explained that I did not get accepted at Slippery Rock for September, and that I would need to reapply for the second semester. You invited me into your office. There you ask me, “What do you really want to do? Go to the Navy or Teach?” I answered “Teach, but I didn’t get into Slippery Rock”. You said, “There are more colleges in the U.S.A. that just Slippery Rock!” Then pushed a chair over to your closet and stood on the chair and pulled out a Morehead State University catalog. You said check this, they have Health and Physical Education. Then you advised me to go home and talk to my parents, and if I was interested in Morehead to bring the application back to you. I did, and YOU mailed it!!
I graduated from Morehead and got my Masters at Morehead. And now as of June 2008, am retiring from teaching after 39 years. Thank You!!
But even more important, I met Jeanne, now my wife of 38 years, and have a wonderful family of four boys.
I Thank You. May God Bless You and your family. And I thank God for the Angels he sends us.
As you probably know my parents had the highest respect for you!
Pat Tate
Dunkirk , New York
(posted by BK on behalf of Pat Tate)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Belated Tribute to "Murd"
First of all, this is a great idea, and second, a round of applause to the Planning Committee and those of you who've devoted so much time and effort to making this tribute happen.
Coach Meddock, Dale, Murd, Zeb, whatever name by which we're now comfortable addressing you, you've certainly built a legacy of excellence with the great gymnastics teams and track and field athletes that you helped develop over so many productive decades. The high regard in which you were held by nationally prominent college coaches was evident to us on the gym team, as several traveled to our gym to help spot practices (I remember coach Bill Ballister from Oregon, and alum Mike Papantonio's entire Indiana team, including Kurt Thomas, stopping by to work out with us on their way to a trip at Penn State. And the team from my era in the late 70's will remember working out in Pitt's gym for an entire winter - kids three years away from really needing a shave holding their own in practice with collegiate scholarship athletes!). To high school kids, they were just practices; to adults with kids of our own, we now recognize that those were recruiting opportunities that you worked hard to create, to get us scholarships and an opportunity to move on to another stage of life that otherwise might have been unattainable.
I have many random memories of those days, unfortunately not nearly as entertaining or eloquent as those posted before me (maybe that's why I turned out to be a boring beancounter):
* traveling to Penn State to see the NCAA championships, to see how the guys at the next level did it.
* the Ohio State invitationals (where we kicked butt, as Pat Besong mentioned) against the top teams from surrounding states, and not coincidentally, received recruiting pitches from Ohio State's coach.
* the Slippery Rock invitationals, where, not coincidentally, we received recruiting pitches from the Slippery Rock coach, and earned a boatload of McDonald's gift certificates to boot.
* riding the bus after high school, out to B.E. Junior High, walking the half mile from the bus stop to the school, putting on our (practice) game faces while enjoying the normal teenage bragadoccio and banter during the stroll.
* the "captive audience" rides in the red VW bug, enduring/receiving a life lesson lecture during the drive - and imparting the same to our own kids two decades later.
With the benefit of hindsight, tempered by the experience of raising kids of our own, the parallels between these tributes and those that we would write of our own parents is striking, and probably too often left unsaid: The high expectations for good reason. The unseen hours of commitment and caring, invested not for personal rewards or accolades, but just because they knew it would make you a better person, and that you would live your life in a manner worthy of modeling by the next generation. It's surprising and impressive, how many alums have taken up a career of teaching, or coaching somewhere along the way. That of course includes the parents, who've committed their lives to coaching, challenging, and providing opportunities.
So everyone raise a Diet Pepsi in toast, and have a good time
Coach Meddock, Dale, Murd, Zeb, whatever name by which we're now comfortable addressing you, you've certainly built a legacy of excellence with the great gymnastics teams and track and field athletes that you helped develop over so many productive decades. The high regard in which you were held by nationally prominent college coaches was evident to us on the gym team, as several traveled to our gym to help spot practices (I remember coach Bill Ballister from Oregon, and alum Mike Papantonio's entire Indiana team, including Kurt Thomas, stopping by to work out with us on their way to a trip at Penn State. And the team from my era in the late 70's will remember working out in Pitt's gym for an entire winter - kids three years away from really needing a shave holding their own in practice with collegiate scholarship athletes!). To high school kids, they were just practices; to adults with kids of our own, we now recognize that those were recruiting opportunities that you worked hard to create, to get us scholarships and an opportunity to move on to another stage of life that otherwise might have been unattainable.
I have many random memories of those days, unfortunately not nearly as entertaining or eloquent as those posted before me (maybe that's why I turned out to be a boring beancounter):
* traveling to Penn State to see the NCAA championships, to see how the guys at the next level did it.
* the Ohio State invitationals (where we kicked butt, as Pat Besong mentioned) against the top teams from surrounding states, and not coincidentally, received recruiting pitches from Ohio State's coach.
* the Slippery Rock invitationals, where, not coincidentally, we received recruiting pitches from the Slippery Rock coach, and earned a boatload of McDonald's gift certificates to boot.
* riding the bus after high school, out to B.E. Junior High, walking the half mile from the bus stop to the school, putting on our (practice) game faces while enjoying the normal teenage bragadoccio and banter during the stroll.
* the "captive audience" rides in the red VW bug, enduring/receiving a life lesson lecture during the drive - and imparting the same to our own kids two decades later.
With the benefit of hindsight, tempered by the experience of raising kids of our own, the parallels between these tributes and those that we would write of our own parents is striking, and probably too often left unsaid: The high expectations for good reason. The unseen hours of commitment and caring, invested not for personal rewards or accolades, but just because they knew it would make you a better person, and that you would live your life in a manner worthy of modeling by the next generation. It's surprising and impressive, how many alums have taken up a career of teaching, or coaching somewhere along the way. That of course includes the parents, who've committed their lives to coaching, challenging, and providing opportunities.
So everyone raise a Diet Pepsi in toast, and have a good time
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Response Comments to the “Guy’s Night Out” Invitation
The following was taken from the on-line invitation, in which invited guests were able to reply with comment.
Comments made by some guests, who replied yes to our invitation:
Randy Hawn
Most of what I learned to take on life and life's challenges, I learned at Baden Economy Junior high school. And, most of what I learned at Baden Economy Junior high, I learned from Mr. Meddock
Dave Mesko
This is a great idea! "Murd" certainly built a great legacy with the great teams that he coached over a couple of decades. Re: old photos, etc. - during my era (late
1970's) we videotaped practices and meets. Those tapes, if they can be found, would have a lot of footage of coach spotting guys, drinking diet pepsi, etc.< **
Jeff Finch
Thank you all for your efforts to put together this very worthy tribute to Mr. Meddock. I am honored to have been invited and I will certainly attend. PLEASE let me know how I can help!
Roger Besong
It's an honor to be invited to this. If nothing else, he deserves it just for putting up with me. Unfortunately, now I only have 2 months to get in shape and make something of myself! See ya there fellas. p.s. If we get hotel rooms will murd make us make the beds the next day?
Dave Yovanovic
I am just really looking forward to seeing old friend and be a part of this great event for such a great person. DY This is not my reply, I thinks it’s Sinchak's. Coach truly deserves this! What a memorable night it will be for all. I look forward to seeing former teammates of "Meddock's Monkeys" and I'm hoping for a good old fashion "Zeb Talk" See you g...
Shawn Meddock
I am Dale's oldest son Shawn and I will attend. All three of Dale's sons are touched that so many of our father's friends and former gymnasts and students are planning to attend this event. He is going to be extremely happy and surprised.
Jeff Meddock
Our entire family expresses sincere gratitude for this idea and hopes that many former athletes and friends will attend to make this a very special evening for my father. I am honored to serve on this planning team.
Terry Stumpf
Thanks so much for your efforts and work putting this together.
Jim Gemelas
You guys are great. What a nice idea! Jim
John Protulipac
Sorry this is so late ... I finally succeeded in rescheduling a business trip. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone. Bill, what a great idea. Thanks for doing this for coach!!! John
Scott Knechtel
Thank you Bill for all you and the gang have done. I also can't wait to see Dale's face when he sees everyone.
Gary Vinciguerra
Wouldn't miss it. Have any of the following oldies been contacted. Bob Lewis, Jim Kruest, Lance Garrett, Mike Kellenger, John Basalaga, Mike Pappantonio, Darrell Kirshler,
Pat Besong
I'm coming! Not sure about staying in a hotel or what I'm going to do yet.
Tom Santry
This should be a great night. Knowing Dale as I do, once the original shock wears off, he will be absolutely thrilled to see his former students and the athletes he mentored. It should be an awesome event and the more guys the better.
Bill Kouvolo
I am looking forward to watching Dale Meddock's face, when he finds himself in the company of so many of his former student/athletes and friends.
John Edmondson
Come on let's get moving and plan on making this a great event. Remember it is people and relationships that enrich our lives. Let's all prioritize our lives to say "Thank you" to someone who touched our lives. Please everyone also reach out to people we missed that Mr. Meddock would like to see.
Jim Bosin
It should be a great day for Dale and his friends.
Pat Patterson
Looking forward to being there!
Comments made by some guests, who are not able to attend:
Dave Repp
Awesome idea – Props to the committee!!! I have three kids who are now competitive gymnasts. One is a senior in HS and accepted a full ride to Minnesota. We are traveling all over the country and I’m not sure about our June schedule yet or if we will have the finances to do so after Nationals and Visa Championships in May. If time and money allow, I wouldn’t miss it.
Ken Simosko
I deeply regret not being able to attend Dale's celebration party due to family and job obligations. I wish Dale and the family the very best, and I will visit with Dale the next time I make it back to Ambridge.
John Del Turco
Coach Meddock has influenced so many lives in a positive way. Sorry I'm unable to travel from Arizona to attend, but I will always remember the fun and friends I enjoyed at Ambridge along with Coach's dedication and kindness to all of us. Happy Birthday, Coach. May you have many more!
Herk Owens
I too would really like to see Coach again. And yes, I would like to attend this special tribute event to Dale however, I can not totally commit to my attendance just yet. I will have to update my attendance at a later date.
Bob Besong
Sorry I will not be able to attend Coach's birthday bash. I was just informed I will be out of town that week heading up a project for work. Please extend my best wishes to Coach Meddock. Someone please bring some chalk and put it in his drink, compliments of me. Thanks to all who were involved in planning this event.
Shawn Bell
Thanks for having included me. Due to a change in my schedule, I will not be able to attend. Please pass on my best wishes to Mr. Meddock & his family. He was a tremendously positive influence in my life. I will always be grateful. Additionally, I apologize for the delay in a final response and any inconvenience it may have caused.
Andrew Karnavas
I'm sorry I won't be able to attend - alas, I'll be celebrating my cousin's wedding in NY. Thank you all for putting together a great event for a great and worthy man who has touched many lives. My best to Dale and his loved ones and his incredible life. Enjoy and much love, Andrew Karnavas
Ray Mushinski
I held out until the last minute to try to work it in to my schedule but regretfully will not be able to make it. Give my regards to a great man who inspired me to attempt great things.
Don Wilson
I'm sorry but I won't be able to attend. Please pass along my regrets to Mr. Meddock.
Larry Byerly
My wife and I are planning a trip to Hawaii. I am sorry that I will be unable to attend.
Reid Powell
Unfortunately, I am going to be out of town. Hope you guys have fun.
Tom Besong
I will not be able to attend. Pass on my regrets as I would have loved to have been able to see Dale and all the guys.
Jeff Jeffers
With much regret I will be unable to attend. I will be on vacation. Jeff, please send my regards to your Dad.
Don Cokus
Jeff, I’d like to be there, but you know how my work schedule is. I was unable to get the night off. Have fun!
Pat Koty
I will not be able to attend but I hope all who do have a great time reminiscing and catching up.
Larry Besong
Sorry. I live in Houston, Texas and it is very difficult for me to make the trip.
Robert Lewis
Sorry, we will be away.
Tom Doyle
I would love to be there, but it is not possible at this time. My best to the Coach and all of you fine men.
Comments made by some guests, who replied yes to our invitation:
Randy Hawn
Most of what I learned to take on life and life's challenges, I learned at Baden Economy Junior high school. And, most of what I learned at Baden Economy Junior high, I learned from Mr. Meddock
Dave Mesko
This is a great idea! "Murd" certainly built a great legacy with the great teams that he coached over a couple of decades. Re: old photos, etc. - during my era (late
1970's) we videotaped practices and meets. Those tapes, if they can be found, would have a lot of footage of coach spotting guys, drinking diet pepsi, etc.< **
Jeff Finch
Thank you all for your efforts to put together this very worthy tribute to Mr. Meddock. I am honored to have been invited and I will certainly attend. PLEASE let me know how I can help!
Roger Besong
It's an honor to be invited to this. If nothing else, he deserves it just for putting up with me. Unfortunately, now I only have 2 months to get in shape and make something of myself! See ya there fellas. p.s. If we get hotel rooms will murd make us make the beds the next day?
Dave Yovanovic
I am just really looking forward to seeing old friend and be a part of this great event for such a great person. DY This is not my reply, I thinks it’s Sinchak's. Coach truly deserves this! What a memorable night it will be for all. I look forward to seeing former teammates of "Meddock's Monkeys" and I'm hoping for a good old fashion "Zeb Talk" See you g...
Shawn Meddock
I am Dale's oldest son Shawn and I will attend. All three of Dale's sons are touched that so many of our father's friends and former gymnasts and students are planning to attend this event. He is going to be extremely happy and surprised.
Jeff Meddock
Our entire family expresses sincere gratitude for this idea and hopes that many former athletes and friends will attend to make this a very special evening for my father. I am honored to serve on this planning team.
Terry Stumpf
Thanks so much for your efforts and work putting this together.
Jim Gemelas
You guys are great. What a nice idea! Jim
John Protulipac
Sorry this is so late ... I finally succeeded in rescheduling a business trip. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone. Bill, what a great idea. Thanks for doing this for coach!!! John
Scott Knechtel
Thank you Bill for all you and the gang have done. I also can't wait to see Dale's face when he sees everyone.
Gary Vinciguerra
Wouldn't miss it. Have any of the following oldies been contacted. Bob Lewis, Jim Kruest, Lance Garrett, Mike Kellenger, John Basalaga, Mike Pappantonio, Darrell Kirshler,
Pat Besong
I'm coming! Not sure about staying in a hotel or what I'm going to do yet.
Tom Santry
This should be a great night. Knowing Dale as I do, once the original shock wears off, he will be absolutely thrilled to see his former students and the athletes he mentored. It should be an awesome event and the more guys the better.
Bill Kouvolo
I am looking forward to watching Dale Meddock's face, when he finds himself in the company of so many of his former student/athletes and friends.
John Edmondson
Come on let's get moving and plan on making this a great event. Remember it is people and relationships that enrich our lives. Let's all prioritize our lives to say "Thank you" to someone who touched our lives. Please everyone also reach out to people we missed that Mr. Meddock would like to see.
Jim Bosin
It should be a great day for Dale and his friends.
Pat Patterson
Looking forward to being there!
Comments made by some guests, who are not able to attend:
Dave Repp
Awesome idea – Props to the committee!!! I have three kids who are now competitive gymnasts. One is a senior in HS and accepted a full ride to Minnesota. We are traveling all over the country and I’m not sure about our June schedule yet or if we will have the finances to do so after Nationals and Visa Championships in May. If time and money allow, I wouldn’t miss it.
Ken Simosko
I deeply regret not being able to attend Dale's celebration party due to family and job obligations. I wish Dale and the family the very best, and I will visit with Dale the next time I make it back to Ambridge.
John Del Turco
Coach Meddock has influenced so many lives in a positive way. Sorry I'm unable to travel from Arizona to attend, but I will always remember the fun and friends I enjoyed at Ambridge along with Coach's dedication and kindness to all of us. Happy Birthday, Coach. May you have many more!
Herk Owens
I too would really like to see Coach again. And yes, I would like to attend this special tribute event to Dale however, I can not totally commit to my attendance just yet. I will have to update my attendance at a later date.
Bob Besong
Sorry I will not be able to attend Coach's birthday bash. I was just informed I will be out of town that week heading up a project for work. Please extend my best wishes to Coach Meddock. Someone please bring some chalk and put it in his drink, compliments of me. Thanks to all who were involved in planning this event.
Shawn Bell
Thanks for having included me. Due to a change in my schedule, I will not be able to attend. Please pass on my best wishes to Mr. Meddock & his family. He was a tremendously positive influence in my life. I will always be grateful. Additionally, I apologize for the delay in a final response and any inconvenience it may have caused.
Andrew Karnavas
I'm sorry I won't be able to attend - alas, I'll be celebrating my cousin's wedding in NY. Thank you all for putting together a great event for a great and worthy man who has touched many lives. My best to Dale and his loved ones and his incredible life. Enjoy and much love, Andrew Karnavas
Ray Mushinski
I held out until the last minute to try to work it in to my schedule but regretfully will not be able to make it. Give my regards to a great man who inspired me to attempt great things.
Don Wilson
I'm sorry but I won't be able to attend. Please pass along my regrets to Mr. Meddock.
Larry Byerly
My wife and I are planning a trip to Hawaii. I am sorry that I will be unable to attend.
Reid Powell
Unfortunately, I am going to be out of town. Hope you guys have fun.
Tom Besong
I will not be able to attend. Pass on my regrets as I would have loved to have been able to see Dale and all the guys.
Jeff Jeffers
With much regret I will be unable to attend. I will be on vacation. Jeff, please send my regards to your Dad.
Don Cokus
Jeff, I’d like to be there, but you know how my work schedule is. I was unable to get the night off. Have fun!
Pat Koty
I will not be able to attend but I hope all who do have a great time reminiscing and catching up.
Larry Besong
Sorry. I live in Houston, Texas and it is very difficult for me to make the trip.
Robert Lewis
Sorry, we will be away.
Tom Doyle
I would love to be there, but it is not possible at this time. My best to the Coach and all of you fine men.
TESTIMONY TO DALE MEDDOCK
This is Allen Cap logging on to the Dale Meddock Testimonial Post.
Everything has a starting point. The starting point of Dale Meddock’s gymnastic coaching career was Baden Economy Jr. High School. I am probably the oldest of Mr. Meddock’s ex-gymnasts. My starting point as a gymnast was also B.E. Jr. High.
Somehow Dale locked on to me, even though I did not have the requisite qualities of strength, flexibility and kinesthetic awareness to be a good all-around gymnast.
Dale started his gymnastics career by producing a gym show which was viewed by the school and also by the public. We started with rudimentary equipment: leather covered steel, flying rings, canvas mats filled with felt, P-bars, a horse with cast iron bases, and a 6 feet wide high bar.
As gymnastics equipment and the difficulty level of the sport evolved, so did Dale’s gymnastic program.
In my first gym show, I performed in a synchronized flying ring routine. I had done the routine many times, but on the night of the public performance, I forgot my routine and did my dismount at the beginning of my routine instead of at the end. My straddle dismount landed me a few rows into the bleachers.
From these humble beginnings, I went on to continue my gymnastics at Rochester High School and the Rochester Turners. Dale continued to evolve as a gymnastics coach.
I was probably the first B.E. gymnast to compete at the collegiate level. I eventually became Captain of the Slippery Rock Gymnastic Team.
After college, I started a high school gymnastics team at Peters Township High School in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh. My team competed against Ambridge. One year, some of the Ambridge gymnasts were injured, and my gymnasts were healthy. That year Peters Township almost beat Ambridge. The meet came down to a showdown on the high bar. We ended up losing by just a few points. Peters Township placed second in the State Championship. Ambridge was first.
I coached gymnastics 12 years at high school level. I then went to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). I taught gymnastics and weight training to Physical Education majors. I was runner-up in the Mr. Nevada Contest, and worked on my doctorate in Education Administration. I took chemistry classes as a pre-requisite to my aspirations to become a chiropractor. I ended up attending California Western School of Law. I graduated from California Western and passed the Nevada Bar.
I have been practicing law in Las Vegas, Nevada for about 25 years. Four years ago, I started my own law firm. You can check out our Website at Cap and Kudler. Also check out my son, Andrew’s, band (hardcore, scream metal) at The Murder Ballad. He plays lead guitar.
So, what was it that Dale did that made us pursue the sport of gymnastics? What did he teach us about how to succeed in life? Here’s my view on this:
I believe that the most important thing that he did for all of us was to expose us to his formula for success in the sport of gymnastics. His formula certainly could be applied to other areas of accomplishment.
The formula was as follows:
After our gymnastics careers were over, we all used this formula, whether we knew it or not. We all took it with us to aid us in our attempts at success in other endeavors.
This was Dale’s gift to all of us. Dale evolved to be one of the best gymnastics coaches in the country. We continued to evolve in other endeavors long after our gymnastics days were over. For this, I will be eternally grateful to Dale Meddock.
Circumstances do not permit me to participate in The Boys Night Out with Dale Meddock, but I’ll certainly be there in spirit.
Thank you, Dale, for getting us started.
Allen Cap
Everything has a starting point. The starting point of Dale Meddock’s gymnastic coaching career was Baden Economy Jr. High School. I am probably the oldest of Mr. Meddock’s ex-gymnasts. My starting point as a gymnast was also B.E. Jr. High.
Somehow Dale locked on to me, even though I did not have the requisite qualities of strength, flexibility and kinesthetic awareness to be a good all-around gymnast.
Dale started his gymnastics career by producing a gym show which was viewed by the school and also by the public. We started with rudimentary equipment: leather covered steel, flying rings, canvas mats filled with felt, P-bars, a horse with cast iron bases, and a 6 feet wide high bar.
As gymnastics equipment and the difficulty level of the sport evolved, so did Dale’s gymnastic program.
In my first gym show, I performed in a synchronized flying ring routine. I had done the routine many times, but on the night of the public performance, I forgot my routine and did my dismount at the beginning of my routine instead of at the end. My straddle dismount landed me a few rows into the bleachers.
From these humble beginnings, I went on to continue my gymnastics at Rochester High School and the Rochester Turners. Dale continued to evolve as a gymnastics coach.
I was probably the first B.E. gymnast to compete at the collegiate level. I eventually became Captain of the Slippery Rock Gymnastic Team.
After college, I started a high school gymnastics team at Peters Township High School in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh. My team competed against Ambridge. One year, some of the Ambridge gymnasts were injured, and my gymnasts were healthy. That year Peters Township almost beat Ambridge. The meet came down to a showdown on the high bar. We ended up losing by just a few points. Peters Township placed second in the State Championship. Ambridge was first.
I coached gymnastics 12 years at high school level. I then went to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). I taught gymnastics and weight training to Physical Education majors. I was runner-up in the Mr. Nevada Contest, and worked on my doctorate in Education Administration. I took chemistry classes as a pre-requisite to my aspirations to become a chiropractor. I ended up attending California Western School of Law. I graduated from California Western and passed the Nevada Bar.
I have been practicing law in Las Vegas, Nevada for about 25 years. Four years ago, I started my own law firm. You can check out our Website at Cap and Kudler. Also check out my son, Andrew’s, band (hardcore, scream metal) at The Murder Ballad. He plays lead guitar.
So, what was it that Dale did that made us pursue the sport of gymnastics? What did he teach us about how to succeed in life? Here’s my view on this:
I believe that the most important thing that he did for all of us was to expose us to his formula for success in the sport of gymnastics. His formula certainly could be applied to other areas of accomplishment.
The formula was as follows:
1. Spark of Motivation - He showed us something which appealed to us. But more importantly, Dale pushed us to get started. He constantly made us get up off our butts. Motivation means nothing without action. He made us active.
2. In order to succeed in any endeavor, you must have a source of knowledge about what it is that you are trying to accomplish. That information can come from a mentor such as Dale, or from other sources, such as books, magazines or the internet. Dale was our mentor. He provided us with requisite knowledge about the sport of gymnastics. We all saw those Olympic gymnastics 8 millimeter films hundreds of times. He took us long distances to practice with college gymnasts and their coaches.
3. Success involves a lot of hard work, practice, repetition, sacrifice, re-evaluation, and staying out of trouble. Dale helped us all out when we got into trouble. I need not say more about the hard work.
4. Dale encouraged us to take the final step to get things done. He pushed us to go for that trick. He taught us to put everything on the line for the sake of competition.
After our gymnastics careers were over, we all used this formula, whether we knew it or not. We all took it with us to aid us in our attempts at success in other endeavors.
This was Dale’s gift to all of us. Dale evolved to be one of the best gymnastics coaches in the country. We continued to evolve in other endeavors long after our gymnastics days were over. For this, I will be eternally grateful to Dale Meddock.
Circumstances do not permit me to participate in The Boys Night Out with Dale Meddock, but I’ll certainly be there in spirit.
Thank you, Dale, for getting us started.
Allen Cap
Thursday, June 12, 2008
My Good Fortune
I remember my first impression of Dale's gym class when I was hired as a new Industrial Arts teacher across the hall from the gym. My eyes got big when I saw every gym student in white shorts, white tee shirt, and white socks toeing a line on the basketball court. A jail warder was walking up and down the line of students inspecting their formation as he carried a small but formidable paddle, that was Dale Meddock the gym teacher. I had never seen students that well behaved or so organized in my brief teaching career. I soon learned that this was normal student behavior. I was even more impressed when I saw gym students juggling tennis balls and basketballs in the hall next to my classroom. I tried to juggle and soon learned to be of an average skill level.
I kept watching across the hall to see what skills next would grab my interest and make me even more impressed. Gymnastics, peg board climbing, rope climbs and hand walking across the gym just made me shake my head at the skill level these Jr. High students were performing. The cherry on the sundae was the Gym Shows that packed the gymnasium and brought parents to a standing ovation as well as me.
I could not and would not devote the amount of time that Dale extended to his gymnasts as well as the regular students who participated in the Gym Shows. His gymnasts not only excelled in the gym but also in the classroom. I used to think that these "gentlemen" who came to my classroom were men in teen bodies.
It was my good fortune to have taught next to Dale Meddock, been his friend, and to have upgraded my school program because of his influence. I rank Dale as one of "My Most Unforgettable Characters" in my lifetime.
Thank-you Dale for being a genuine, decent human being in a world that lacks men of your stature.
John B. Mason
(Posted by BK on behalf of John Mason)
I kept watching across the hall to see what skills next would grab my interest and make me even more impressed. Gymnastics, peg board climbing, rope climbs and hand walking across the gym just made me shake my head at the skill level these Jr. High students were performing. The cherry on the sundae was the Gym Shows that packed the gymnasium and brought parents to a standing ovation as well as me.
I could not and would not devote the amount of time that Dale extended to his gymnasts as well as the regular students who participated in the Gym Shows. His gymnasts not only excelled in the gym but also in the classroom. I used to think that these "gentlemen" who came to my classroom were men in teen bodies.
It was my good fortune to have taught next to Dale Meddock, been his friend, and to have upgraded my school program because of his influence. I rank Dale as one of "My Most Unforgettable Characters" in my lifetime.
Thank-you Dale for being a genuine, decent human being in a world that lacks men of your stature.
John B. Mason
(Posted by BK on behalf of John Mason)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
