Andy Katz, of ESPN fame, recently wrote an article about the surprising friendship between Coach K of Duke and a Chicago area father. Surprisingly, this is one of the best articles the WWL has posted in a long while. I typically find these sorts of articles on competing websites but was rather pleased when a friend sent it over to me.
Ross Deutsch, a Chicago area father of 4 had been one of the many wealthy suburban fathers who chose to participate in one of the many Michael Jordan fantasy basketball camps. It was during one of these camps that he struck up a friendship with Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K of Duke Men's basketball team for those who do not know). While most players/coaches at these camps look for opportunities to relive their childhood dreams and mingle with other wealthy folks, this particular pair met and through circumstances beyond their control, their fates would soon be linked.
If you would like to support the Rory David Deutsch foundation, click here.
I suppose I have a 2nd/3rd degree connection to Ross Deutsch as we share a mutual friend but aside from that, this story is poignant and provides a window into a world that most of us never get to see. Many professional athletes and coaches are spoiled rotten and are often concerned about their next contract. However, there are sides to these individuals that we rarely see. Such is the case of Coach K and his unlikely friendship with Ross Deutsch.
I myself, have always admired Coach K, not only for his success but for his ability to help mold his basketball players into well adjusted adults. Hardly something to gloss over, considering some of the people to have 4 year college degrees that go on to play professional sports.
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