This one has been tough for me.
I grew up with Mike, right down the street, and we played Little League baseball, basketball, and tennis
all through our childhood years. He was THE standout athlete in all those sports, you know that one kind of guy...
While he was the star of the hoops teams, he also was a damn good racket man, and I never could best him when
we played varsity tennis in '79 & '80. He finished the season #1 seed at Monte Vista HS.
We both graduated in the Class of '80.
I only saw him a few times after those days, but he always recognized me, and we ribbed each other.
While I never "shot up" in height, I'd always tell him he stole from my growth account. He kept growing from 6'2" in HS to 6'7" eventually.
His sporting career star also grew brighter and brighter, and we were all very proud of his accomplishments.
It was really something to see a local boy and old friend march among the world's finest athletes in Atlanta '96.
Whit was definitely a truly good guy and just plain exceptional in the sporting arena.
We'll miss ya, Whitty... and I'll never forget those glory days
Sail on...