Coach Memories

It was a hard summer. Four months ago the ASU Gymnastics team lost two super talented and influential supporters. On June 17, Dr. Joe Schabacker passed away at age 91. For the past 40 years, Joe has been one of the biggest and most enthusiastic supporters of the ASU men’s team. He was not only a devoted booster of the team, he was one of Coach Robinson’s closest friends. Because of a fall that Coach had a few days prior to Joe’s death, Coach was unable to attend his friend’s funeral. Then just a short 17 days later, Coach Robinson passed away.

Don Robinson was the man who brought ASU gymnastics to the national recognition it has enjoyed for the past 35 years; who loved building people as much as he loved building gymnasts and teams; and who loved life, traveling, friends and great competitions.

Both Coach and Dr. Joe were on the ASU non-profit Board of Directors right up to the end. Always fighting for this teams’ survival and giving all they could to help more boys have the opportunity to live out their dream of competing
nationally at the collegiate level.

For those of us who were close them these last few years, we know how much they gave of themselves for this team. Because of their passion and sacrifice we will continue to push on in pursuing the vision that these two men shared with so many of us.
As many of you know, both of these men were very dear to me, both father figures who impacted my life in a huge way. ASU gymnastics will miss them both. I was very fortunate for many months prior to Coach’s death to be able to visit at his home almost daily, have coffee, go through his mail and email and just spend time with him and his good neighbor—Terrie.  

I want to thank those of you who stepped up the last couple of months of his life. Your phone calls, e-mails and visits all MADE A DIFFERENCE! . He needed us then and you came through. THANK YOU!!
Here is a start of our Newsletter this year, to read more download a copy now or send us an email and we can mail you one.

I wish I could describe to you how it brightened his day when he got your phone call or when I read your e-mail to him. We were his family—the ASU team family meant so much to him right down to the end. We will miss Coach, but his legacy will live on in the TEAM and in those of you who are who you are because you knew spent time with him.

In this newsletter you will read how Coach has impacted many. Take the time to reflect on what he has passed on and think about this year how we, as a team and individuals, can pass on his legacy. It was a good one!

Scott Barclay- Coach
Keeping the legacy going!

PS- Audrey continues to live in a home down the street from us where she is being well taken care of. She has severe Alzheimer’s but is physically pretty healthy. She can’t walk or carry on a conversation, but seems to brighten up when certain things are said. Please keep her in your prayers.

Just a small Thank You to everyone who has donated to the team in remembrance of Joe and Don.

Please see page 4 for many great memories of Coach.

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