| 5/9/2008 7:58:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Diane Morin |
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Girls' basketball Hall of Fame was a first
ON THE SLIDE
Someone we know was inducted
The call came a few weeks ago and was a pleasant surprise. It was from Duluth and former North Activities Director Diane Morin.
It has been some time since I had last heard from Morin and her announcement, "I am going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and I would like to invite you and (my best friend) Donna to come. I hope you can make it," was a nice surprise.
The induction Morin was talking about was to the Minnesota Girls' Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.
In a ceremony held at the University of St. Thomas, just prior to the Minnesota Senior All-Star Girls' Basketball Games April 20, the elite of Minnesota Girls' Basketball Coaches Association (MGBCA) gathered to recognize and honor four of their own.
Current North girls' basketball coach Don Larson was the presenter for Morin. Also in attendance was interim activities director Jed Helweg.
To be honored by your peers - in any sport or any endeavor - is a very special occasion.
For Morin the day was especially unique, as her former coach and mentor - Rich Peterson of Proctor - was also among the four inductees.
Also making it a special day was the fact that Hill-Murray girls' basketball coach - currently president of the MGBCA - Erin Herman did the honors of introducing the inductees.
Morin recently moved back to Duluth following the birth of twins and some health issues with one of her babies.
But she, along with her kids, parents and close family, were on hand for the special ceremonies.
"I had to come home. The support from my family and friends has been great. I'm where I should be," Morin said in a phone interview from Duluth.
Following an outstanding prep career at Proctor, where she was named All-Conference in cross country, track, and basketball, Morin studied at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and then at St. Thomas.
She began coaching at Rush City, moved to Dodge Center and then to North High, where she was girls' basketball coach for six years.
During her tenure as North coach, the Polars won two section titles and advanced to state tournament competitions.
She was in on the ground floor of forming the North St. Paul/Maplewood Girls' Basketball Association.
When former athletic director Bill Halbrehder resigned, Morin took over the duties and continued in that capacity for eight years.
She served in several leadership capacities during that time and was named Region 4AA Athletic Director of the year in 2005.
Morin, along with her three children - Sophia, Olivia and Jackson - and partner Karen Swanson, reside in Duluth.
The credentials and background established by Morin make her more than qualified for the special honor of being inducted into the MGBCA.
That she was honored by peers - those who know her best - makes it even more special.
It was a fun experience and I feel privileged that Morin saw fit to invite me and my 'best friend' Donna to be a part of her special day.
Hey Diane, many thanks and heartfelt congratulations!
Quick takeoffs
A pair of NORTH grads and former NORTH ST. PAUL Legion 39er baseball players - BILL RYAN and RYAN SEPION, now playing baseball for UW-SUPERIOR - threw shutouts over NORTH CENTRAL U on the same day. RYAN went seven innings and allowed just three hits and no walks to gain the victory. SEPION went four innings, allowed four hits, two walks and struck out five, as his mates tallied 15 runs and the triumph. Good going guys ! . . . The 21st Annual 916 Educational Foundation Golf Tournament will be held June 16, at DELLWOOD HILLS GC. The tournament raises funds for scholarships as well as numerous other school related activities. For information or registration materials, call LINDA ZAHRADKA 651-415-5657, or GARY SPOONER 651-459-4337 . . . Hey RUTH, you hang in there !
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