Henry Emmel Day

This afternoon the annual Hank Emmel Relays will be held at Chauncey Martin Field. Henry Emmel was the Track and Field Coach at Pelican Rapid High School while Chauncey Martin was Superintendent. This morning I caught a 56572 legend walking down the sidewalk. He had come back to 56572 to have his teeth worked on by a former student. He stepped into the Pool Hall for a cup of coffee, poured for him by another former student. I told the bartender to put the teacher's coffee on my tab. When the teacher asked who was paying for his coffee, I answered that I was, grateful that I had not been in one of his classes. He laughed and told me that, had I had the privilege, I might have learned something. It has been twenty years since he retired (from teaching) and he says that when he walks the sidewalks of 56572 few people recognize him anymore. "All my old buddies like Henry Emmel are dead. I doubt people even know who Hank Emmel was anymore." John Matheson sends his former students greetings. The smile, the wit and the pride are still there.