[NU Sports] SportsCenter Tribute

[Jim Bendat]

I happened to have the day off, and what an emotional one it's been for 
all of us.  I watched ESPN, WGN and Comcast Sports Net Chicago all day 
long.  I saw Fitz nearly break down, and I saw the tributes from Mark 
Murphy, Jay Howells and Nick Roach.  I even got to see Roy Lamberton on 
ESPNews.  I think Roy is one of the few people so far to discuss the 
issue of the next coach.  On the air, Roy mentioned Assoicate Head Coach 
Jerry Brown as a possibility, along with Greg Colby and the alums' 
possible favorite, Pat Fitzgerald.

On some Friday nights, our family says a few prayers.  Tonight was one 
of those nights.  When I told our guest of my passion for Northwestern 
football and the passing of Randy Walker, coupled with mentioning his 
age and the family he's left behind, that's when I lost it.  I'm sure 
many of you have been having similar experiences this day and night.

Peace,
Jim Bendat


neonrye at aol.com wrote:
> I just saw the 6 p.m. E.D.T. ESPN SportsCenter, which had a warm and reverential tribute to Randy Walker.  They even had a one-on-one interview with our own Brent Musberger, who usually annoys me these days, but who expressed everyone's shock and grief quite eloquently.  I write this email with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat, for when they showed the tape of "the" Michigan game (51-48), fpr which Brent had done the play-by-play, I finally broke down.  I never realized how much I really loved RW's low-key, but dogged style on the sideline.  Brent raved about how the Coach so effectively used the "spread" and how, lacking depth, RW got his players in better shape than our opponents, so the Fourth Quarter was ours.  And I was so proud when they noted the 100% graduation rate he achieved the past couple of years.  God, how do you replace this guy?
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>  
> One thing I have realized today, as this is really a big story, bigger than I could have anticipated--America seems to love the 'Cats and NU more than any of us really know.  Our scrappy and innovative style of play, refusal to ever give up, and dedication to academic excellence--all of which Coach Walker embodied--must remain the hallmark of our teams (especially, football) and our University, so that his memory burns brightly.
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> Paul Levinson
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