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The Slice: Memories sweeter than the results

Randy Hopkins earned his letter sweater with the first points in Ferris basketball history.

It turns out that quite a few guys of a certain age still have their high school letter jackets.

Or, as in the case of Randy Hopkins, letter sweater.

Hayden Lake’s Lauren Hopkins saw the Slice question about that last week. She responded by emailing a picture of her husband’s Ferris High letter sweater.

As you can see, it’s in excellent condition.

“His claim to fame is he scored the very first point in Ferris High School basketball history, in 1963.”

Lauren shared what Randy has told her about the circumstances.

“As he remembers, they opened the season against Central Valley, coached by legend Ray Thacker. And, as expected, they were blown out as they had only sophomores as their highest class.

“At the end of the first quarter, it was 18-5. Randy scored the first point on a free throw, and he thinks he scored all five points.

“No further memory after the first quarter except that they lost big time.”

But you needn’t fear that Hopkins, a retired physician, is living in the past, mired in memories of glory days. The letter sweater was hauled out of retirement only after that Slice question appeared in the newspaper.

“I don’t think I had ever even seen it before,” said Lauren.

Go, Saxons.

Just wondering: What is your wintertime nickname? A) Nanook. B) Mr. Plow. C) Mama Bear. D) Spider Sabich. E) Yeti. F) Yukon Cornelius. G) Linus. H) Ralphie. I) Irving Berlin. J) Studs. K) Burl. L) Mr. Donner. M) Other.

Slice answer: One reader who left a phone message saying being left alone was of paramount importance to him asked that I not call him back.

Following up: In the matter of whether bad vibes at Thanksgiving gatherings are more rumor than reality, several readers said police officers who work holidays could attest that, sadly, ugly scenes near the turkey are no myth.

Today’s Slice question: What succinct instructions do you have for the person who will organize your memorial service?

Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. I have a rake-a-reader’s-leaves plan. Thanks to all who invited me.

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