My Uncle Dave

I would like to take this opportunity to do a little bragging about my uncle Dave. But my boasting is tempered by the news I just received that he has been diagnosed with incurable leukemia and been given 6 months to 1 year to live. David A Thoennes will have his moment in the limelight, however.
This next thursday November 12th he will be inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions, Coaching Legends. He will be the first high school coach to receive this recognition. He is being honored for his
33 years as varsity golf coach at University of San Diego High School. Some of his accomplishments are:
Career wins record of 434-170 for a 72% winning percentage; CIF record longest winning streak of 43 league victories; Western league Champions 14 out of 15 years; and 26 straight winning seasons from 1975 to 2001. The next time you watch Phil Mickelson tee off or sink a long putt, know that my uncle Dave coached him and many other fine athletes at University High.
Here is what my uncle Dave will say at his induction: We hear it all the time. Is that somebody? We live our whole life trying to make the rest of the world think we are somebody. No matter what we do whether it’s acting, coaching, playing sports or succeeding in business, all these say “here I am. I’m Somebody”. There are some people in particular that we want to realize our dream with us. First is our wife and kids. Then our friends and the people we work with every day. All we really want is for others to share this pride we have in ouselves and have worked to achieve. Few of us are ever able to realize this recognition in our lifetime. I am one of the few who have been given this opportunity. This induction into the Coaching Legends says “David Thoennes is Somebody!” Thank you to everyone who has made my dream come true.
NO! Thank YOU uncle Dave for making all of us feel a little more important and for teaching so many the truly important lessons in life……… AND .. how to sink that 30 foot putt. We all love you very much.

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