Reed gave ‘a little more’ to LC

We at Lewis and Clark (High School) like to think that “it takes a little more to be a Tiger.”

Actually, the phrase was first used by Terry Reed several years ago when encouraging a young man who had transferred to LC from another Spokane school. Whether in the classroom, on the football field, or in the gym, Terry has been a constant in applying this message. I would like to just point out how much he is appreciated, and how his choosing to retire from basketball will end a long period of his positive influence on many lives.

Terry is one of the finest men I have been around in coaching and education. A caring person, he has managed to extract the best from all he has worked with. Never compromising, his expectations have always been high. Whether on the basketball court, in the classroom, or the community, his athletes have been held to a high standard. Terry has always done things the right way.

It is too bad that many people equate coaching ability with wins and championships. In reality, Terry’s Tigers teams have always been fundamentally sound, well prepared, and most importantly, hard playing. Though it may have benefitted his program, Terry has disdained specialization and encouraged participation in other sports. Those who know GSL basketball recognize that his teams managed to compete even though there has been a dearth of basketball talent at LC in recent years.

As a coach, Terry has not avoided the hard choices that separate the average from the successful. He has impacted many young lives favorably. His good nature and consistency are treasured by those who work with him. Terry deserves to be appreciated for his efforts and accomplishments. Though he will not be on the bench next basketball season, his presence will remind all that “it takes a little more to be a Tiger.”

Jeff Reyburn

Spokane