LETTERS: FOND BASKETBALL MEMORIES LINGER

To the editor:

It doesn't seem possible that two years have gone by so quickly. Surely, it was just a few weeks ago that Gary Garner and Tom Schuberth sat in our family room and convinced my son, Michael, to commit to SEMO and become part of their basketball family. The days following our trip to Salt Lake City this spring were pretty weepy times around our house. It would not be right to move on without thanking those that had something to do with the last two marvelous years.

Naturally, Gary Garner deserves top consideration. Besides being a phenomenal coach, he taught our son values, morals and ethics on and off the court. Gary Garner, Tom Schuberth and the entire basketball staff are top notch people. Special thanks to Joyce Penny, Marsha and Barb; Lance McNamara, Dr. Thorpe, Sharon and Fred Burgard, Mike Legg and K103 FM, Marty Mishow and the Southeast Missourian, Channel 12 KFVS, Mr. Hines, Mr. Kaverman, Dr. Dobbins, Dr. McDougall, Jay Goff, David Andrews, Eric Little, the basketball team, the Sundancers, Cheerleaders and all those associated with the Show Me Center and university. A special thanks to Dr. Robert Sacha and Dr. Ronald Lessman.

We owe special gratitude to the Southeast Indian Basketball fans and boosters for all their support. SEMO truly has the best basketball fans in the world. We will especially miss Kim and Gary Hope and their daughter, Jessica, Lee Flannigan, Albert Cox and his family, the Clements and Samantha, Hughes and Doris DaVault, and all the people who shared the excitement with us at every game. Every home game was a special event due to the outpouring of kindness and friendship displayed by the fans.

Thank you to the friendly people of Drury Lodge and the Pear Tree Inn. Our stays were always pleasant and the staffs were always great. Also, thanks to Applebees.

A special thanks to the employees and regular patrons of Cafe Cape. It was always nice to relax and enjoy breakfast with many good people. Many thanks for the ovation we received the morning after SEMO's victory over Murray State in Nashville. Every time I think of it I get choked up. This special feeling is something my wife, daughter and I will remember the rest of our lives.

A wise person said, "It takes a community to raise our children." We want to thank all of you for your help in that endeavor. The people of Cape Girardeau and surrounding areas are fantastic, wonderful, friendly people. What a wonderful place! Thank you all for everything, and our family will miss you.

Mike and Carol Branson

Wildwood, MO