In Memoriam . . . General Page

Every so often, I'm asked why an "In Memoriam" page does not exist for
this former player or that former coach. Please understand that making the
decisions on which pages to create are always difficult. Generally, pages are
set up for young people who pass away while still in high school, or shortly
thereafter, or for coaches and others still close to the high school scene at the
time of their passing. In some cases through the years, I held off due to fear
that a small response could lead to feelings of increased sadness for loved
ones/friends.
With that in mind, we are offering this General Page. Please do not hesitate
to send thoughts/memories, even photos, of any deceased person who was
connected with Philadelphia high school sports.
They'll be listed below in alphabetical order. Please list the person's name in
the subject field of your email and send to silaryt@phillynews.com.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ted Silary

He was Smiling the Whole Time!
It's not often that a man can look back on his life and see the hand of God. I can and God of mercy saw fit to put my life
in the hands of one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure of being around, Coach Vinson Miller. I played for Coach Miller at Frankford High School (class of 1982) and while coach was as tough as the devil when we were in the gym or at a game. He was old school in that he believed in discipline. I can remember the things he put us through after a loss, these young bucks today could not survive things like crab walk suicides or sitting arms extended with you back against the wall for what seemed like hours, I laugh at it now but I cry then believe me. Mr. Miller seemed to have a special dislike for me and it seemed like he was always on me about something or another. I asked him one day why he stayed on me so much? It was then that he said something that sticks with me until this very day he said, "Don't worry that I stay on you so hard son. Worry when I stop." I share that with kids that I coach and even my own son.
Mr. Miller was a whole different person off the court though. I can remember going to the team picnics at his house and how warm and inviting he was although I was never quite sure if he was smiling or not, lol. His wife and kids were always welcoming and made us feel at home. It broke my heart to open the Daily News and see that my coach had passed. I went to his viewing that Saturday and watched the presentation on the big screen of the church and low and behold all the time I thought Mr. Miller was grimacing he was actually smiling. Thank you Coach Miller for what you instilled in me and I thank you Mrs. Miller for your warmth and grace whenever we invaded your home. Thank you to his daughter and son Reds for sharing your father. He was a Father to many at crucial times in our lives.
-- Nick F. Jenkins (Frankford Pioneer class of 82)

For “Mister” Nick Kueny . . . St. Joe’s Prep athletic trainer

Ask any alumnus of St. Joe’s Prep that played any sport and graduated in the 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s
who “Mister” is and they will immediately name Mr. Nick Kueny.    I met him in 1977, when I played
Freshman football.    I knew he had been a part of the school since 1939 because he was able to
provide vivid details concerning the 1939 City Championship Football team.    I believe “Mister”
was a freshman that year and he graduated in 1943.    I don’t know what year he became the
school trainer, but I’ve read testimonials from students who remember him taping their ankles
in the 50s.     More importantly, he taped ankles immediately after school and he went to
practices and games, every day.   In the fall, the football players and soccer players knew
him.   In the winter, it was the basketball team.   In the spring, I’m pretty sure he was there
for baseball and track, and whatever sport required his attention.     But more importantly,
every student and/or athlete who ever met him seems to feel that he was their friend.    In my
Junior year he spotted me on the corner one morning waiting to take the bus to the
Broad Street subway.    He invited me into his station wagon and told me that from now on,
he would drive me to school on game days.    From what I can tell, he did this with MANY
other student athletes.     But most importantly, he was a very humble man who never
called attention to himself.    Those who knew him, were aware of what he did.   Those
who didn’t know him, may not even be aware of his name.
-- anonymous
P.S. -- It seems more fitting to know that what I wrote could have come from any one of several
thousand student athletes.

For Baron Adams . . . George Washington FB Player (Class of 2006)

My prayers go out to his family and close ones. No matter what the situation was, I can only describe Baron as a good classmate and teammate because no matter what the outcome was going to be, Baron always was determined in a positive way. I'm going to miss you man. I love my boi.
-- David Porter

For Leo Broadhurst . . . Cardinal O'Hara Football Coach/Teacher

Today the O'Hara community and the O'Hara Football family lost a teacher, Coach and a friend with the passing of Mr. Leo Broadhurst. To me I simply knew him as Coach or Mr. Broadhurst. I was lucky enough to have gotten to know Coach during my fours years at O'Hara I was even luckier to have him has a teacher the course he taught was World History II but he also taught me so much about one of things that I love more than anything in the world and that's O'Hara Football and Football in general. He always made his classes interesting and made it easier for me to understand war strategies into football terms. That year was when I started writing for Ted and it's because of Mr. Broadhurst that I have the knowledge of O'Hara football that I do. There's several things about Mr. Broadhurst that I won't ever forget such as his famous Yay Napoleon or how he always didn't mind me walking into to his room for a visit and to talk football even if he had a class going. Today we lost a great friend, teacher and coach. But our loss is God's gain. RIP Mr. Broadhurst or as I knew you as Coach. You will be surely missed. Thank you for everything you've done for me. To the Broadhurst Family: You will be in our prayers.
-- Willie McGonigle
Cardinal O'Hara Class of 2008