DISQUS

For you New Hampshire readers -- I went to high school with Bob and every word he has written brought back a flood of memories of how supportive both his parents were to all of us. They relished in every local kid's success, not just that of thier own children. Duane and Alice were incredible examples of loving support for every Whitehall Norsemen student not just in sports but also in music and any extracurricular activitiy. You knew the Hammerstrom house on Sherwood Street was filled with unconditional support and love. As a Whitehall native who now lives in California, the story and example of Bob's parents remind me of how I wish I was raising my children back in Wisconsin. On this weekend when we are hit by the untimely death of Tim Russert, this story is a less prominent analogue for the relationship between Tim and his father Big Russ. Duane's love for Bob, and vice versa is an example for all of us. Thanks Bob for sharing and bringing back all those positive memories for me. May God bless the memory of your parents and long live Duane Hammerstrom's legacy of sportsmanship and love of the game and the player.