Think of How Many Youths Whose Days He "Made"

Vern Ekfelt, Omaha, was chosen for induction in the Hall of Fame in 1995, in recognition for his lifelong work in the school business, especially for his efforts that helped wrestling develop into a major sport. He wrote this letter shortly after receiving word of his selection. Unfortunately, he died prior to the formal induction banquet. His sons accepted the award for him.

With excitement, appreciation, humility, gratitude and some surprise, I respond to your letter of March 20, 1995, informing me of my being selected for induction into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

I assume you, gentlemen, that I am pleased and honored beyond words.

When one is twenty years plus into the period sometimes referred to as the golden years, one must admit that there are days in that period that are not so golden, and may even border on the negative rather than the positive side.

Also, one might be guilty of allowing himself to lapse into a feeling that your accomplishments of some years back may have been discarded and are now plowed under, decayed and forgotten. Then sometimes, as in my case, something very positive may come your way to totally dislodge that way of thinking. I wish to say, because I consider your organization the most important award unit in the state, that when your letter came to me, you definitely made my day.

Thanks for awakening me from a state of retirement dozing to convince me that events and accomplishments of some time back are not dead and forgotten but very much alive and breathing.

Sincerely,

Vernon H. Ekfelt