January 13, 2007
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 West Columbus Avenue
Springfield,
MA 01105
Attention: Fran Judkins
Dear Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame,
Subject: Geno Auriemma
Court of Honor Tribute
In December, the University of Connecticut's induction ceremony for the Huskies of Honor honored the ten former UConn players who had been named All-Americans during their careers. During their acceptance speeches, the players repeatedly returned to the word "family." It encompassed both their immediate "blood" family, whose support they'd received during their career, and the extended family they gained when they became part of the team.
That sense of being part of a family may be most obvious between the players and coaching staff, but there can be no doubt it also extends to their fans. Strike up a conversation with anyone of the thousands of fans wearing the UConn Women's Basketball insignia and you will hear about "our girls". They will share with you their knowledge, interest, pride, concern, and yes, love for the women's team - words most often used when describing a family member.
For many of the fans simply watching every single game isn't enough. They get together before and after games, talk basketball on the phone and coordinate trips to different cities in order to catch games. When online, many gather at the Boneyard, a discussion forum, and call themselves Boneyarders. Strangers becoming family, united through their love of UConn women's basketball.
The Boneyard lost a member of the family on November 14, 2006 with the passing of Ed Michels. Even those that have never met him in person felt the loss, for they knew something about him: he loved his team. And that was enough to make him family.
In that spirit, the following people have contributed so that a fellow Boneyarder can be honored as part of Geno Auriemma's Court of Honor. As each of these people visit the Hall of Fame, they will see the inscription:
Friends of Ed Michels
and know a member of the family will be remembered.
Contributors Include:
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Thanks to all who contributed.
Click on the following link to open the file, or right-click to download
it:
PDF File with Court of Honor
information
Edward Joseph Michels
MICHELS Edward Joseph Michels, age 58, beloved husband of Leigh
(Baker) Michels of Stratford, entered eternal life Tuesday, November
14, 2006 at Bridgeport Hospital. Mr. Michels was born August 31, 1948
in Bridgeport, son of the late Edward and Mary (Marawski) Michels, and
had been a life time area resident. He was a United States Navy veteran
of the Vietnam War, and a Computer Systems annalist, and had worked for
Sikorsky, the Stamford Advocate, and Inrange Technologies. He was
member of the Stratford First Congregational Church and was an avid
golfer, a big fan of the NY Yankees, NY Giants and the UCONN Huskies.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his adored twin daughters,
Sarah Elizabeth Michels, and Amanda Mary Michels, both of Stratford;
his brother, Richard Michels of Clinton; and his beloved cat, Buba.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service officiated by the
Reverend Ed Rawls, on Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 1 p.m. by meeting
directly in Stratford's First Congregational Church, 2301 Main Street,
Stratford. A Reception will follow the memorial service in Packard Hall
in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the
Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT. 06492 or the
ASPCA, 424 East 92nd Street 4th Floor, New York, NY 10128. The William
R. McDonald Funeral Home, Stratford, is in care of arrangements.
Courtesy
ConnPost.com