Tennis Begins with Love Traditional Cache
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The 2010 USTA Family of the Year: The Walz
Family, Aitkin, Minnesota
On an otherwise nondescript autumn day, a short, slightly pudgy
7th-grade boy approached the Aitkin (Minnesota) School Board and
made what he believed was a simple, wholly reasonable request:
“We need a boys’ tennis team in this town.” The
boy’s name was Carl Walz, and his confidence never
faltered—not even after the board challenged him to prove
there was legitimate support for such a team by convincing enough
boys to sign up for and play intramural tennis. Carl came back
later that year with impressive participation numbers in hand, but
the Board threw up another roadblock: “You don’t have a
coach, and the school can’t pay for one.” Without
hesitation, Carl responded, “No problem. My dad will
volunteer.” Carl hadn’t asked his father to coach, but
he knew the answer would be yes.
And that’s the condensed story of how the small town of
Aitkin got its boys’ high school tennis team. But
unfortunately this tale takes a tragic turn: On May 28, 1999,
shortly after winning the sectional tennis meet, Carl Walz was
killed in a car accident. Eleven years later, Carl’s
grief-stricken parents still tear up when they talk about their
remarkable son. However, despite their devastating loss, the Walzes
have learned to transform tragedy into triumph by using tennis,
Carl’s first true love, to help and inspire others.
For starters, Carl’s parents, Joe and Cindy, continue to
coach tennis at Aitkin High School. Cindy leads the girls’
tennis team and volunteers for the JV boys. In 2007, she was named
Section A Coach of the Year. Meanwhile, Joe arranges to work nights
in both the fall and spring so he can coach the boys’ team
(free of charge) and help Cindy with the girls.
“When you lose a child, you hope that his life created
ripples that will reach others,” says Joe.
“That’s why Cindy and I coach; we wouldn’t be
involved in tennis if it wasn’t for Carl. His passion helped
us understand the benefits of tennis, and we’re passing that
passion along to others.”
Joe and Cindy have also set up the Carl Walz Tennis Memorial
Scholarship, which helps area kids pursue tennis. Many of the
youths who receive financial assistance from the scholarship fund
use the money to attend Tennis and Life Camps at nearby Gustavus
Adolphus College. These camps, a favorite of Carl’s, stress
sportsmanship over winning, treating your opponent with respect and
serving others both on and off the court. Just like Carl did.
This cache was placed in honor of this inspiring family.
FTF honors go to Blueirocguy!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Enzc vg hc!