Well, Red ...

In the August 2004 issue, we dropped the name of "Red Mihalik" into an editorial in Here Below. Red was one of the legendary basketball officials of his time, which was in the 1940s.

We actually had never seen him officiate, but we heard much about him. And it was all certified when he became one of the 12 officials to make the Basketball Hall of Fame.

A few days after the issue hit the schools, we received a note from a venerable football coach named Chuck Klausing. If you read football record books, check out the high school section. You will find: "Consecutive Games Won," 54, Chuck Klausing, Braddock (PA) H.S."

The record lasted a respectful time, and is still considered a major feat. The coach himself has been around a thousand blocks since then, doing interesting and innovative things, like coaching football on every level of the game, writing books, writing articles, running instructional camps, and doing a lot of inspirational public speaking.

His letter was, as always, terse, informative, and friendly. He had spotted the "Red Mihalik" reference in our magazine and had a story to tell about him.

While athletic directing at Pitcairn, PA, in the 1940s, Chuck ran into Red parked in a car with picnic basket and a Thermos of coffee.

It was Friday and Red was in his traveling gear. He informed Chuck that he was going to work a Junior High game at 4 p.m. for $7.50, a JV game at 7 p.m. for $7.50, and then a varsity game at 8 p.m. for $15.

On Saturday, the next afternoon, he was going to work a game at the U. of West Virginia, and on Sunday, he was going to officiate at North Carolina State.

Now you know why Red Mihalik is in the Hall of Fame.