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e Y portsline th O 65 S o f t h e N o r f o l k S p o r t s C l u b ur Vol. #24, No. 4 April 2009

April 6th – Luncheon Meeting Ronald Bolton, NFL Schedule of Ron Bolton, a native of Petersburg played foot- Events ball at Norfolk State University and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round in 1972. Bolton led the Patriots in interceptions each of the All meetings are held at the Holiday Inn-Executive Center three seasons he played for them. The Cleveland 5655 Greenwich Road Browns traded for Bolton in 1976 to compliment Virginia Beach, Virginia their other talented corner, Clarence Scott. Lunch served from Bolton led the Browns in interceptions in 1980 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and was a key ingredient of the “ Cardiac Kids” as they were called Meeting begins at 12:15 p.m. that season. He had two interceptions in the 14-12 divisional playoff Meeting adjourns at 1:15 p.m. loss to the Oakland Raiders that year - one which he returned 42 yards to provide the Browns with their only touchdown of the day. April 6th – Luncheon Meeting In all, Bolton played with the Browns for seven seasons, retiring Ronald Bolton Former Cleveland Brown following the 1982 campaign. He had 35 interceptions during his 11- year NFL career. He has worked as an assistant football coach at Lib- April 20th – Luncheon Meeting erty University, Norfolk State University, Howard University and is now Willie Pile, former Virginia Tech & safety. Currently, head football coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk. with in the CFL May 4th – Luncheon Meeting Art Shamsky, member of the 1969 April 20th – Luncheon Meeting World Champion Miracle Mets Willie Pile – Virginia Tech, NFL & CFL May 18th – Luncheon Meeting Joe Durham, Orioles outfielder in In high school, Willie Pile was named the North- the 1950’s. Newport News native. east Offensive Player of the Year while playing and at West Potomac For further information, contact the Sports High School in Alexandria, Virginia. At Virginia Club office at 497-9583 or Marty Miller, Tech, he moved to the defense and played 39 First Vice President at 823-9539. games at free safety, registered 267 career tack- les. In his senior year, he was a second-team All- American choice by the Sporting News. HAPPY BIRTHDAY He was drafted by the and saw action in 3 NFL Johnny Brown will be 90 seasons with the Chiefs and the Cowboys as a defensive back. He on April 5, 2009 played a full season in the European Football League before signing with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. Special Thank You’s to In February, he signed a contract to return to the Argonauts for a Herb Wittersheim third season where he plays and was nominated as the for his donation in Outstanding Defensive Player last season. memory of George Hughes Pile loves speaking to youth and motivating people through public and speaking. He published a book entitled The Winning Game Plan – An Randy Lassiter for his generous A-B-C Guide to Success. Pile runs his own football camp in Virginia for donations of distilled spirits for the youth ages seven and up. He lives in Texas with his wife and son. Norfolk Sports Club Reverse Raffle. Dick Price was truly a giant among men. I had been close to In Memoriam him and his family for many years, but when he became ill, we William Leon “Dick” Price became closer. Until the last 2 weeks of his life, we talked at least 1933-2009 2 or 3 times a week, and when I didn't call him, he would have his nurse call me. What a blessing to have someone in his condi- Dick Price is one of the individuals who helped with the growth tion checking on me. Dick was MY friend and I cherished our and development of my professional career. From the first day that special relationship. He knew that I would do anything for him I stepped on the campus of Norfolk State University, he was sig- and it was quite a pleasure for me to be close to him during his nificant in my success as a student-athlete in baseball. By observ- last days. I still miss him and sometimes find myself driving in ing him each day, I was impressed with his desire to succeed and the direction where he lived the past few years. He was a legend the will to win. He motivated others to be able to overcome any and a good man and I am proud to have been able to call him my obstacle that confronted them as students, athletes or employees. friend. He will always have a special place in my heart. Over the years, the friendship grew and we became close Yvonne DuBose friends. His advice and recommendations proved to be invalu- able to me. Based upon the results of our conservations, they Dick Price was a gentleman and a family man. Those who heard were instrumental in helping to build my career as a baseball him speak at the 2008 Jamboree knew how proud he was of his coach and athletics administrator. He was a coach, mentor and daughter, Lisa and his grandchildren. most of all, a friend. He was a man of integrity and old fashion values. At the Virgin- Marty Miller ian-Pilot football awards one Monday, Dick commented to the rest Director of Athletics, NSU of the table that his players would not have appeared dressed like some of them! From the experiences he spoke about in his career, Dick and I were born the same year, both raised in Norfolk some funny, you just knew how much he enjoyed coaching. and attended high school the same years. In those years, there What a tribute to Dick to have Norfolk State’s stadium named was segregation in the schools and also invisible lines dividing for him. white and black neighborhoods so we never met in our early days. I feel very fortunate to have been his friend. Dick often spoke to me about his Lamberts Point friends Jean Ford who crossed the lines and played pick–up games with their white friends on the other side of Hampton Blvd at Blue Bird Park. I have known Dick Price, affectionately referred to as Coach Dick was a pioneer in race relations. Price, for more than 40 years – as a student, as a co-worker and Dick’s father had a very dangerous job as a car rider at the as an employee. He was the kind of person who would talk to Norfolk Western Coal Piers. He wanted Dick to have a better life and listen to any student, staff or faculty member that he came with a good education. Dick certainly succeeded in that wish. into contact with. He also had a real sensitive side to him. Just I met Dick thru the Norfolk Sports Club which was 98% white as quickly as he would “lay you out,” he would “cry at the drop of at the time he joined. We hit it off the first time we met and a hat.” That was Coach Price. became good friends immediately. Dick went through the chairs When Coach Price became my supervisor, I was afforded the and became the club’s first African-American President. opportunity to further my education. He supported my educa- Dick was a practicing Christian and there was no doubt about tional and professional growth and development. Coach Price his salvation. was always there for me even during the passing of my sister and Dick has left us, but from what I observed of his grandson, he my father. He made sure that my family had what was needed left much of his character in this young man who will surely be a during these trying times. He, too, was like a father to me, al- leader in his community as was his grandfather. ways giving advice whether I “wanted it or not.” But from his We will surely miss this great man. wisdom came knowledge and understanding and I respected him Ken Riedel for that. Coach Price was a good teacher, coach and administrator. I Several years ago while in the Orlando Florida Airport wait- would see him teach class, perform administrative tasks and then ing for a departure, I engaged a conversation with a distinguished go out and coach – all within the same day – never missing a middle age man. He asked me where I was from and I replied beat. But most of all, he loved sharing thoughts with me of his from Norfolk, Virginia. Immediately, he asked if I knew Coach daughter, wife, coaches and former athletes. He would never Dick Price from Norfolk State. I told him I knew him well and take credit for what he did, but would just smile when he talked that we were both members of the Norfolk Sports Club. Then he about how well his coaches and former athletes were doing. His told me that Coach Price had awarded him a Football Scholar- athletes would always come back for homecoming looking for ship and he played there for 4 years along with running track. him and he would be persistent with them about giving back to Coach Price had a tremendous impact on his life. Besides being NSU. If they did not “give back,” Coach Price would certainly let a great coach he counseled, gave guidance, encouraged family them “have it.” They would rather take a “beating” than hear values and motivated his student/athletes. the “wrath of Price.” But, that’s what made them love and re- The gentleman I met at the airport was a successful business- spect him even more. man in the medical equipment industry and contributed much I miss my friend. of his success to Coach Price's influence. Shirley A. Whitaker Michael Baecher Department of Athletics, NSU (Price continued) President’s Letter A special tribute was given by Past President David McCormick on behalf of our club at “Coach” Dick Price’s funeral on March Fellow Members, 2, 2009. He was recognized for his many contributions to our It is once again time to write the monthly President’s Letter. This past month has been one of sadness. We lost one of our community and club. most dedicated members when Dick passed away. His enthusi- His spirit of caring, teamwork and community pride will not asm was evident in everything he did. From being a leader in his be forgotten. “Coach Price” received the Norfolk Sports Club housing development at Lamberts Point, to becoming the Head achievement at our 2008 Jamboree. Football Coach at Norfolk State University. He took on the added David also participated in a 30 minute radio tribute (102.1 FM) charge as the University Track Coach. And in every one of these hosted by Norfolk State University. positions, Dick loved to be the educator, not only in the students His life truly touched/impacted the lives of thousand and sport, but in every one of their lives. As seen at his funeral, many thousands of people. of his previous football players (and their ladies) were present to He will be dearly missed show their respect and loss of a most influential individual. For those present at his funeral, we were also very pleasantly sur- prised at the eulogy given by Dick’s grandson. This young man A note from Dick’s daughter spoke reverently of his granddad, and did it with maturity be- yond his years. I can see Dick smiling on his grandson when he Thank you sports club for all of the support provided during delivered that eulogy, as it was very heartfelt. Dad’s illness and his passing. Dad loved the sports club and con- We also lost another stalwart member this past month in sidered the members "Family." We hope to stay connected to the George Hughes. Not only as a member that was a pleasure to see club and continue to support the club in all it's endeavors....that's at the luncheons, but as a PROUD Pittsburg Steeler. If you never what Dad would have wanted. got to see and talk to George, you missed an opportunity of a Lisa Price Stevens and her children lifetime. Our sympathies go out to his family. We look forward to the Scholarship Committee getting started in a week or so. As always, this is what the Sports Club is all about. We have many dedicated members on the selection com- mittee, and hope to have our selections made in April or May. D I R E C T O R Y And in April, we put Second Vice President Sears to work with Michael “Mike” Adams, President ...... 560-6722 the monthly golf outings. Let’s hope that Marty’s experience doesn’t follow him. I need to address a very recent issue that has George “Skip” Burton III, President-Elect ...... 545-4613 been presented to the Sports Club. The Holiday Inn Executive Office Operations, Sportsline & 2009 Jamboree Center sent us an email via Betty stating in part the following:

Marty Miller, First Vice President ...... 823-9539 “Beginning with the April 6 function, we will require a guaran- Weekly Luncheon Speakers teed number of attendees for your group by the Wednesday preceding the event, no later than 11am. This is our normal Michael “Mike” Sears, Second Vice President .... 456-9124 procedure in order to purchase and prepare food, staff ban- Monthly Golf Outings quet set-up and servers and kitchen personnel. Hotel will compromise and set 10% over client’s guarantee Maurice N. “Buddy” Early, Secretary ...... 857-0947 (instead of the normal 5%). This gives you some “play” room—if you think you will have 70, you can guarantee 63 Roger Travaglio, Treasurer...... 455-8192 and we will set for 70. However, if you guarantee 63 and only 50 attend, you would still be responsible for payment of Ken Riedel, Sergeant-at-Arms ...... 456-5763 63 persons. In other words, you will have to pay for the guar- Betty Dail, Executive Administrator ...... 497-9583 anteed number of attendees or the actual number of attend- ees—whichever is higher. Also, if your attendees are over Thomas S. “Tommy” Gale, Ex Officio ...... 480-0000 the 10% additional set-up, we cannot guarantee we will food or space for them.” 2009 Directors One Year Term Two Year Term This would also preclude members from attending the lun- cheon meetings without eating if we are required to give a Wiley French Ken Fulghum Bryan Graves Jim Grady count prior to the luncheon. The Board is working on this and C. H. Lambert Steve Kakol I hope to have a resolution at the next luncheon. Vicki Trexler Wilson H. “Chip” Turner I wish you all good health, and hope to see you at the lun- cheons and at the golf courses. OFFICE HOURS Thank you, Monday (with meeting): 9:15 - 11:00 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday (with no meeting): 9:15 - 5:00 P.M. Tuesday - Friday: 9:15 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. E-Mail Address: [email protected] Michael B. Adams Website: www.norfolksportsclub.com 9 200 4- 4 PRSRT STD 9

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a e PAID Y portsline h 5t Norfolk, VA Our 6 S Permit No. 175 Post Office Box 12501, Norfolk, Virginia 23541-0501

Please change our email address (again)! The email address published in last month’s sportsline is incorrect (Cox error). The correct email address is: [email protected]

GOLF NEWS — FUTURE OUTINGS — Monday, May 11 Elizabeth Manor Portsmouth

APRIL 27, 2009 Monday, June 22 Cypress Creek Smithfield Nansemond River Golf Club Monday, July 13 Bide-A-Wee Portsmouth 1000 Hillpoint Blvd ¥ Suffolk Tuesday, July 21 Cypress Creek** Smithfield 539-4356 Monday, August 10 Riverfront Suffolk Monday, September 21 Cypress Point Virginia Beach Shotgun Start Ð1:00 PM Monday, October 19 Greenbrier**** Chesapeake $60.00—Members $65.00—Guests **(Pro-Am) ****(Club Championship)

To compete for the Club Championship, you must have com- — DIRECTIONS — pleted a minimum of three (3) rounds. Please note that if you do not have the pre-requisite of three rounds, you are Follow Route 58 Bypass to Suffolk and take the Route 10 still welcome to join us at the Riverfront outing. However, (Smithfield) Exit. At the traffic light, turn right on Godwin Blvd. you cannot compete for the coveted title of 2009 Norfolk going towards Smithfield. Go approximately 1 mile to Hillpoint Sports Club Golf Champion. Blvd., and Nansemond River Golf Club sign is on the right. Sincerely, — RESERVATIONS — Michael H. Sears Second Vice President Call Betty at the Club office, 497-9583 by April 24th to reserve a place or a foursome. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Sears at 456-9124. The price includes the round of golf, cart, driving range, practice putting green, prizes and a buffet meal after each event. Our Condolences To: Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in low gross, low net, longest drive and closest to pin for both Regular and Member Betty Dail and family Senior Golfers. in the loss of her brother