Coach Russell earned respect and gave it back

To the editor:

I mourn the passing of Coach Jack Russell and, most of all, the sort of teacher he was. He was the gym teacher in 1961 when I arrived at Franklin Elementary School in the fourth grade. Coach Russell was exacting in his requirements but forgiving if you just did your best. You always said "Yes, Sir" or "No, Sir," "Yes, Ma'am" or "No Ma'am" in his presence. He earned respect and gave it back.

KRISTIN ALYEA

Diamondhead, Miss.