Earlier this month, Joseph "Jazz" Diminick passed away. He was the head coach of the Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes from 1962-1992 and won 287 games in that time. He also happened to be my Dad's football coach, and he was the most instrumental person involved in getting my Dad to go away to college. Dad was a poor student and a hoodlum, but Jazz kept after him, trying to get him to better his future. He succeeded, as did my father, who became a high school teacher and a hell of an offensive line coach for thirty years and who won three VHSL titles running the Wing T.
We went back up to the coal region for the Viewing and the Funeral and it was one of those lines running out the door experiences, with so many coming back to pay their respects and share their stories. Coach Diminick truly seemed to be a great guy, who helped so many young people over the years. It got dusty for my Dad during the funeral, and I had only seen that from him once before, at my Pap's funeral.
I just wanted to point out the passing of a great man and football coach. In an era where we hear and witness so many damaging actions by coaches, I wanted to remind us of those who men. who accept the mantle of leadership and responsibility and carry it with grace and dignity.
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