Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Nancy Gravert.
All of us have mentors in our lives that have left lasting impressions on us, whether it be a family member, friend, religious member, or a teacher. These people may be a part of our lives for a short period of time or a good share of our life, but no matter the length, they leave a imprint that lasts forever.
Dan Drosopoulos [of Morrison, IL,] is one of these people who has left an impression on so many people. A teacher of physical education, health, and history during his teaching career, he educated…many students that have never forgotten his ethics in life.
Over his 30-plus years at Morrison High School, Drosopoulos not only taught but also coached football, Little League, and wrestling. As an outstanding coach he passed on his own [talents] to his athletes. Many of these athletes took those traits and ran with them, to end up as State qualifiers and outstanding citizens.
No matter what level of athletic ability his students had, he always stood behind them and encouraged them to perform to their own best ability and “never give up.”
In February of this year, Coach D met his own biggest challenge. He was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer. He took this obstacle on with the same attitude as he had stressed to his students. Determination and perseverance are his two greatest motivators at this time, and the fact that he will “never give up!”
His prognosis is heading in the right direction as he continues the biggest wrestling meet of his life. However, with the staggering costs of this fight, a couple of community assistance programs have been put into place.
The first is a T-Shirt and Hoodie sale, with a major portion of the sales going directly to Mr. D to help in [those] costs. The t-shirts and hoodies are available in all sizes and center around Coach D and his teaching and coaching theories. The order forms are available around town or can be obtained from any of the Morrison coaches. There are two Morrison, IL, drop-off areas for the orders:
- Shawver Press and Whiteside News Sentinel, 100 E. Main Street
- Advantage One Credit Union, 204 N. Jackson Street.
These will be the places to pick your orders up when they arrive. The costs are $14 for t-shirts and $25 for hoodies.
The second fundraiser event is a Pancake Dinner (including eggs and sausage) that will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013, at the Emmanuel Reformed Church Christ Center, 202 E. Morris Street. The event is being sponsored by the Wrestling Club and will be held from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., with free-will donations.
This benefit will also be dedicated to one of Coach Drosopoulos’s wrestling athletes, Bob White. Bob and his family all suffer from Lyme Disease.
[Many] in Northwestern Illinois have at some time…in their sports careers been touched by this coach and friend and have been forever changed. Please show your support as the battle with adversity continues!