The outer walls that will soon be erected on the newly poured foundation of the athletic facility at Babcook Field are a testament to the dedication of the Washington community in more than one way.
Not only will they be built with donated materials and labor, they will be covered with exterior blocks donated by people to show support for the Washington Community High School athletic department and to honor people who made a difference in their lives.
One such block reads, “To honor my football guys, Coach Hickman.” It was donated by Noah Hickman of Washington.
Another block reads, “To honor Coach Hickman, From your players” and was donated by Hickman’s players. Hickman was the football, track and wrestling coach at WCHS from 1955 to 1962.
Although his time as a coach was brief, the impact of his coaching on and off the field has endured.
“He helped a lot of people, and I am one of them,” said Jay Hopp, who, although retired from Otto Baum and Sons, volunteered to be the construction project superintendent for the new building.
“Someone once said there are five people who make a difference in your life. Two are probably your parents, and, for me, Coach Hickman is one of the other three.”
Hickman seemed to dismiss the idea, saying he simply helped Hopp “channel his ambition and energy on the football field.”
But tears came to his eyes thinking back to his coaching years.
“I was very fortunate to have a lot of smart, good, athletic guys. … I never did cut anyone. I thought they all had great potential and drive,” he said.
The building, Hickman said he believes, will go beyond athletics and help bring families in the community together.
The block donations seem to confirm that belief with many blocks donated by families with multiple generations of WCHS athletes.
“There is a lot of tradition here,” said Jim Linsley, of the 12th Man Organization. The organization has teamed up with the Panther Football Alumni Association in the endeavor to build the privately funded facility.
Blocks were also donated in honor of Dax Locke, of Washington, who died at age 2 of acute myeloid leukemia, and Evan Knoblauch, who died in a single-car accident in January 2008.
The Panther Football Alumni Association recently received the good news that they were granted non-profit status, so all donations made will be tax deductible.
Orange blocks are available for a $100 donation and black blocks for a $250 donation. Each block can be engraved with three lines of text or two lines of text plus a sports logo. The price will increase by $25 after May 8 due to extra engraving costs once the blocks are on the structure.
Order forms are available at Michael’s Italian Feast, Lindy’s Downtown Market, Five Points Washington, Kimpling’s Ace Hardware, Washington Community Bank and at www.pantherfootballalumni.com.
