Comments on: Column: Remembering an Unsung Hero

By: Mark Koroi

Mark Koroi — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:16:37 +0000

Hockey is an inspiring sport.

It builds character for its participants.

By: Chris J

Chris J — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 13:45:11 +0000

As always John you paint a beautiful picture with words. While this is the first time I have ever heard this story, I could not help getting choked up by it. This is something that public school treasurers, school boards, or opponents of High School sports cannot understand. There are some things that cannot be taught in a classroom and can only be taught in the heat of competition. These lessons help boys become men. The lessons taught will help these men in the board room, surgical room, court room, or assembly line. Lessons such as this pull us together on with our co-workers, our neighbors, and most importantly our families. By the picture you painted, Mike Lapprich had an affect on the young mens life that cannot be measured. Thank you for sharing!

By: Jerry Mastey

Jerry Mastey — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:44:26 +0000

My wife and I had many conversations with Lapper when our son played for Coach Bacon. Mike was always first class. We, like so many others, were stunned to learn of his passing. Given his ability to connect with so many, we were not surprised that hundreds were at his funeral.

After leaving the church for the cemetery, I glanced in the rearview mirror of our car and was awestruck at the number of vehicles that were proceeding from the church, all with their headlights on. The length of that procession reminded me of the closing scene in Field of Dreams.

The class and leadership exemplified by every player on the Huron High School ice hockey team was constantly apparent to everyone. I think it was best displayed when, as the ceremony at the cemetery came to an end, all the players huddled around the casket, similar to the way they did around their goalie at the net before the start of each game, and said, “Team.”

Then, in a final tribute, each player took off his tie and respectfully placed it on Mike’s casket as they left the cemetery. THAT was a moment I have always remembered and one that still chokes me up thinking about it.