As a local business owner in the community of a sport’s themed
restaurant, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful
people engaged in youth sports at the various levels.
Dear Editor,
As a local business owner in the community of a sport’s themed restaurant, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people engaged in youth sports at the various levels. Whether it’s a proud father of a talented son, a booster club mom scrambling to raise funds so that the season wouldn’t be cancelled, or whomever, they are all working towards a common goal. Youth sports provide teamwork lessons, leadership and social skills to tomorrow’s generation.
It isn’t a surprise that in my years spent surrounded by 18 televisions displaying every game conceivable (or that we can afford?), I have also come to know several Gilroy Dispatch sports editors. I have befriended them all similar to your current beat man, Josh Koehn. Reading his work on a regular basis, it became apparent to me that, beyond having exceptional writing skills, Josh was providing coverage like that of a loyal fan. This loyalty was tested last year, and Josh did not falter.
He quietly positioned himself in a location that afforded him a view of his favorite NFL team and a work surface for his laptop computer week after week. (I often caught him still working/writing when the rest of the world wasn’t.) And as the Detroit Lions fought so hard in their final game not to make NFL history, he was there. He was watching. His team did make history, and we didn’t make him pay his tab that day.
Additionally, it wasn’t a surprise to run into him recently. Again, he was supporting a local team (the San Jose Giants). Sadly, I learned of his departure from the Gilroy area in the near future. Stubby’s wishes him all of the best wherever his talents lead him. I think I could be speaking for the entire community when I say “Farewell, good luck and if you’re ever in the area … well, you know.”
John ‘Stubby’ Stieber, Gilroy
Editor’s note: Thanks for the kind words of a tribute and the well-deserved pat on the back to our sports editor who will soon be wandering the European continent in search of soccer stadiums. The Stubby’s transition should be a bit easier this time. Josh Koehn is leaving us and Josh Weaver has joined us as our new sports editor. The “new” Josh is not a Detroit Lions fan.
