Fitzgerald deserves tournament honor

Regarding John Blanchette’s article on the forthcoming high school basketball tournament honoring Dan Fitzgerald, I predict it will be received by hundreds of longtime Bulldog Club Members and alumni as welcome news. Paying respect to Fitzgerald’s achievements and contributions is long overdue.

The Spokane community and Gonzaga University were the major beneficiaries of Fitz’s unique charismatic personality and devotion to sports and his athletes. The university’s ascendance in basketball began in major part because of Fitz’s vision in recruiting players like John Stockton, Jeff Brown and Jim McPhee, and coaches like Jay Hillock, Dan Munson, Bill Grier and Mark Few. He also brought on board Steve Hertz for baseball and the excellent current athletic director, Mike Roth.

Fitz spearheaded Gonzaga’s moving to the West Coast Conference that opened the way to its eventual championships and NCAA appearances, and he was a major personal force in bringing large growth numbers in Bulldog Club membership that had been pretty much dormant before his arrival.

Fitzgerald’s departure from the university was a sad affair. However, it should not make us forget what an overall fine man he was. Spokane and Gonzaga University can be thankful for the many good things he did, and for how many people he helped, how many laughs he gave us, and how hard and how often he gave of himself on behalf of others.

In remembering Fitz, it would be good for all of us to apply the following: “To err is human, to forgive, divine.”

Gene Cunneely

Spokane