From Rick D. Shackelford
Head Boys and Girls Track Coach
Renville County West High School

I would like to thank Leader Sports Editor Eric Kraushar for his kind words in his online blog about the loss of Al Handahl. Eric knew him for about a year and it was easy to read the impression Al had made on him. The kids at Renville County West have known Al their entire lives and I have known him for close to 20 years, so you can imagine the imprint he has made on our lives.

Eric’s story was right on the mark in describing Al, and the kids in our school were touched by it when they read the article. Al was my assistant coach in track and field and I couldn’t have possibly asked for as much as he did.

For one thing, I wouldn't have thought to build a portable indoor/outdoor pole vaulting box out of a sheet of plywood and some used lumber; it is one of a kind. He always made sure that every kid had whatever they needed to have the chance to do their best. He would find, borrow or buy spikes for our track kids even if it meant the difference of running a 15-second hundred meters instead of a 15.4. Each kid had the same importance as far as the effort Al put toward them.

I have lost a great friend and mentor who will be missed dearly by the students, athletes and staff at RCW. Thanks again, Eric, your article was done with class just like Al treated people, taught and coached.