Happy 4th of July to everyone, but especially to the veterans, including many of those old coaches that served our nation in WW II. Coach Bill Arnsparger, a Paris, Ky native was a Marine during WW II. His HS football coach was Blanton Collier. Coach Arnsparger coached the greatest defense in the history of the NFL, the No-Name Dolphins of the only undefeated Super Bowl Champions from Miami in 1972.
Besides being a great coach, Bill Arnsparger is a great man who serves others and puts the well-being of others ahead of himself. In 1992 when I became the head coach at Paris HS, he always made time for me and our program. I can never thank him enough for the kindness and help he gave me in those early years at Paris HS. Coach Arnsparger's ability as a coach, character, concern for others, and willingness to serve are second to none. Every accolade you could bestow on a wonderful human being, he deserves.
Here is an excerpt / AFM blog entry from Black Shoes & White Shoestrings on Coach Arnsparger:
Arnsparger: A Master at Deflecting Attention
Happy 4th of July to Coach Arnsparger, his wonderful family, and all the Veterans who served our nation!
Thank you to David Arnsparger, Bill's son, for sending this response to today's blog post:
ReplyDeleteIn the fall of '43, Blanton was in the Navy and Dad was a 17 year old freshman at the University of Kentucky. Blanton and Dad exchanged letters. Blanton was interested in the newest offensive schemes. He also encouraged Dad to get his studies, because "you can't eat on football".
Basically Blanton was saying,"football is fun, but you can't make a living at it, so get a degree"
How ironic!
Thank you David and God Bless you and your wonderful family!