Memories of Klock
I was saddened to read about the passing of Coach Bob Klock in the Jan. 23 Peninsula Daily News, “A PA legend passes.”
The high school sports fans lucky enough to witness Roughrider basketball in its heyday during the 1960s saw how much the program developed during Bob Klock’s tenure.
He was a mentor to all his players.
I observed how he developed his young recruits from junior varsity standouts to state championship-level players.
It was fun over the years to watch the friendly competitiveness Bob had with Les Eathorne of East Bremerton.
When Port Angeles played East, the bleachers were standing room only.
The most memorable year was 1966 when Port Angeles played the Renton Indians in Seattle for the state AA championship.
On their journey to the final game, the Roughriders lost only one game.
Yes, East Bremerton was triumphant, winning 52-48.
Les beat Bob that year, but the green and white were rewarded and played in the championship game.
I witnessed the championship game and sorrowfully Port Angeles lost, 62-46.
Of course, everyone was devastated.
Only a man such as Bob Klock could teach his players that losing should not detour them from future endeavors.
Many of his players became coaches and some even turned professional.
What a gift this man was to not only his young players, but to the entire community of Port Angeles — truly a legend.
Ted Bedford,
Sequim