The story of Merrill "Whobbie'' Hoover written in the Mirror by Ken Love was one of the most beautiful and inspiring pieces I have read in a very long time.
Some years ago, like many of us playing basketball, I would see Whobbie at the Hollidaysburg YMCA, working in some capacity with the men's outdoor league. However, upon viewing the youthful picture of him in the newspaper, I realized for the first time who he is and recalled the days when we played sports during our adolescence.
I eagerly, yet slowly, continued to digest every penned word with anticipation and interest.
I have recently attempted to learn the game of golf, and the article of this amazing man shamed me as I thought of my poor attitude all too often on the course, instead of appreciating the great privilege it is simply to participate.
Like all great stories, this one affected me deeply, and from this day forward when my overblown ego gets the worst of me, I will ask the question: "What would Whobbie do?''
Because from what I have just read and remember of this former athlete and true hero, he would graciously and humbly greet the next challenge with the same remarkable attitude he displays today. Oh, what a dose of heaven!
As a little boy, my nephew once expressed his excitement while hitting golf balls at a driving range by stating: "I wuv this game!''
I will never forget those words as long as I live. Neither will I forget this man. We wuv you, Whobbie.
Galen Bickel
Altoona
Protect Sunday from hunters
I enjoy Walt Young's columns and his weekly spot on Cory Giger's radio show.
I am opposed to Sunday hunting because:
1. Farmers are very much opposed. They deserve the one day of peace.
2. For several months, Sunday is the only day that non-hunting hikers, bird watchers, et al, can safely be out on the majority of trails.
3. What's wrong with giving the wildlife a day's break from either fleeing or hunkering down in fear of gunfire?
I am in favor of parents introducing hunting to their kids, but they can do it without Sundays. This coming November-December will have nine Saturdays, at least 10 weekday school holidays, and, depending on which school district, several in-service days when the students will be off on a Friday or Monday.
That's plenty of opportunity for a parent, relative, or family friend to get the young ones out into the woods.
I think the money figures of how much additional revenue Pa. would get for Sunday hunting are way over-inflated, and I would be interested in how they were calculated.
Dave Taylor
Altoona
Duranko a role model
The ink wasn't even dry on Neil Rudel's Sunday column, and Pete Duranko passed away Friday night.
A Johnstown native who graduated from Bishop McCort High School and Notre Dame before going on to a long NFL career, Pete was a Hall of Famer in every respect.
You could fill a whole newspaper with heartwarming stories about him. I had the pleasure of dining with him and will always remember his humility.
Guys like "the Diesel" are the kind of role models kids need today.
Jim Kilcoyne
Altoona
