by Absolutely devastating news today as we have lost a legend. Dan “The Commish” Coughlin passed away into heaven earlier today, joining his late wife who passed away a few years back. To say Dan had an impact on my career, and as well as many who cover high school sports would be a great understatement.
Over the past few years, we went from a fan adoring a legend, to colleagues, to friends. Sitting next to him for several Saturday games in the press box after we both worked Friday night games, became a staple and one I truly enjoyed. I NEVER would have thought on Friday night at the Holy War would be the final time I saw him alive.
Seeing him with his grandson this past season has been a real treat and was quite hilarious at times. Sadly, we live in a time were certain members of the local High School Sports media community are, “protective of their spot”, unwilling to help others or even shake a hand and Danny was the opposite of that. He always gave back and made sure to treat everyone with respect. With Danny, it was about the kids, not him and that spoke volumes!
I have a lot of happy memories with Danny, but perhaps my favorite remains last years Holy War and sitting next to him to watch it at Lakewood. Or this years Ed’s win over Elder, sitting next to him and listening to him talk about his grandchildren. I’ll never forget one time during mass at St. Angela’s church in Fairview, where he said during the mass, “this priest needs to speak up, I cannot hear him”. Meanwhile people in North Olmsted could hear the preacher, but that was Danny, you had to love him!
Mr. Coughlin, from everyone at Kee On Sports who you helped over the years and were nice to, those memories will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything you did, Friday nights in the fall will never be the same without you! Rest in peace my friend!
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