An Inspiration

Growing up just two houses down from the Fletchers, Mike and I spent a lot of our time at there house. I remember Bill always showing interest in what we wre doing. He'd ask us questions and tell us whether he thought it was a good idea or not. Even as young children he was counseling us and helping us make the right choices.

I always watched him coach my brother's soccer team and always wished that I could be on that team. It wasn't because his team was good, it was because Bill was such an "outstanding" man to watch. I spent half my time on the sideline just watching him coach - or love - his team. I grew up wanting to be a part of that so bad. The way AYSO went back in the day was that because of my age, I had a chance to try out for his AllStar team every other year, and you can gaurantee I was at the tryouts, every other year. But for one reason or another, and I never questioned as to why, I didn't get Bill as my coach. One year there were tryouts for a team that Bill would be taking to California for a World Cup tournament. I wanted to be on that team more than anything. I didn't make the roster, but I think Bill new how bad I wanted it, and he gave me an alternate spot. Not long afterward, a very unexpected turn of events occurred and we all lost a good friend and teammate. Bill was at our sides mourning and comforting us kids, reassuring us that everything would work out. I specifically remember Shaun Beardall and I were looking at the pictures of Nick, each with huge tears in our eyes, when Bill came and put an arm around the both of us, kissed our heads, and with tears in his eyes told us that we hadn't seen the last of our dear friend. It was by no means the way that I wanted to make that team, but Bill gave me the opportunity to learn from him that summer. It was the only year that I had Bill as a coach, and the lessons that I learned from him were too many to count. That summer we had a very successful soccer team and I don't think it was because we were the best. But Bill made us feel like we were the best. He always had a way with words to inspire us to do the best we possibly could. I remember at the beginning of each game that summer, we started with a team huddle, and Bill helped us dedicate each moment of that particular game to our dear friend, Nick. We were playing for more than the win, we were playing out of love and respect to a lost friend and teammate, and it was Bill that inspired us to do it. That summer is one of the most memorable summers of my life.

I know that someday we will be able to see Bill again, and he'll have his arms wide open and ready to give us one of his giant hugs, and he'll have that warm smile on his loving face that we will all miss so much. Bill, thank you for your life lessons, your love, patience, guidance, and for inpiring me and so many others to always strive to be better. You are a dear friend to more people than you'll ever know and you will be missed.