My father, Lawrence "Boots" Thompson was a coach at Shelbyville for nearly 2.5 decades and was there during Bill Garrett's time. Dad always felt that Doc Barnett didn't get enough credit for the championship team. Doc had served as varsity coach while Barnes was in the service. He came back and Doc had coached that squad and molded them in the years before the '47 championship. Dad taught chemistry and history in addition to coaching, I can remember members of Bill's family stopping by the house to visit with Mom and Dad. Years later, when Dad was failing in health, they continued to visit and check in on them. Dad was honored to be an honorary pall bearer for Bill.
Great family!
The Grahams didn't mention that Bill Garrett, after he retired from coaching at Attucks HS in IPS served as an IHSAA basketball official. I actually worked games with Bill during his officiating career. I always drove but Bill bought the gas. I asked him once if he wanted to drive and he said emphatically, "No". He then said, "I don't see too well at night!". I told him not to mention that to any one else. When Bill officiated, there was never any trouble from the fans and he always received a well-deserved applause. After the games, dozens of people always came to visit with Bill. His popularity never waned because he was so respected from his time at Shelbyville, IU and Attucks HS.
Yep. I taught at Northwest HS when Betty Garrett was also there. One of Bill's sons attended NWHS and until recently, was an assistant coach at DePaul U. DT
Maybe when I am back for the 60th SHS reunion, I can visit with you over an eclair at Linne's. Gahimer has to join us since I am afraid that he is wasting away. Not! DT
My father, Lawrence "Boots" Thompson was a coach at Shelbyville for nearly 2.5 decades and was there during Bill Garrett's time. Dad always felt that Doc Barnett didn't get enough credit for the championship team. Doc had served as varsity coach while Barnes was in the service. He came back and Doc had coached that squad and molded them in the years before the '47 championship. Dad taught chemistry and history in addition to coaching, I can remember members of Bill's family stopping by the house to visit with Mom and Dad. Years later, when Dad was failing in health, they continued to visit and check in on them. Dad was honored to be an honorary pall bearer for Bill.
Great family!
The Grahams didn't mention that Bill Garrett, after he retired from coaching at Attucks HS in IPS served as an IHSAA basketball official. I actually worked games with Bill during his officiating career. I always drove but Bill bought the gas. I asked him once if he wanted to drive and he said emphatically, "No". He then said, "I don't see too well at night!". I told him not to mention that to any one else. When Bill officiated, there was never any trouble from the fans and he always received a well-deserved applause. After the games, dozens of people always came to visit with Bill. His popularity never waned because he was so respected from his time at Shelbyville, IU and Attucks HS.
I was not aware that Bill Garrett had officiated. Great story! Thank you so much for sharing! - Kristiaan
Yep. I taught at Northwest HS when Betty Garrett was also there. One of Bill's sons attended NWHS and until recently, was an assistant coach at DePaul U. DT
It's unreal how many connections there are there! Awesome!
Maybe when I am back for the 60th SHS reunion, I can visit with you over an eclair at Linne's. Gahimer has to join us since I am afraid that he is wasting away. Not! DT
:) Would love that! Please keep me posted! - Kristiaan