"Red"

On August 25, 2017, five new members and one team were inducted into the BHS Hall of Fame (http://classof69bhs.blogspot.com/2017/08/friday-night-and-lights-are-low.html).    Individual members have been inducted for about a dozen years, while this year was the first time an entire team was honored.   One of those rewarded both for his individual and team achievements (as part of the last boys' BHS track team to win a state championship) was Ron "Red" Erickson.  It was a delight to see "Red" in good spirits and hear about his life growing up in Brookings while attending BHS and South Dakota State College. He also had interesting tales about his teaching/coaching career. "Red" was truly honored and humbled to be welcomed into this elite group. 

Last evening, November 12, 2017, was another time for hearing about "Red's" life.  This time, though, his story was told by his family members.  Unexpectedly, "Red" passed away November 5.  Last night was his visitation.  The family was exceptionally grateful that we expressed our sorrow and condolences.  They especially  emphasized how much it meant for him to be a part of the BHS hall of fame, and how proud and humbled he was to have been selected.  The prayer "Red" selected for his obituary speaks volumes about the integrity of his character.  Would that all athletes had that same philosophy. 

While it is difficult to compare athletes of different eras, our research indicates that "Red's" athletic talents would have been comparable to that of Tom Osterberg of our class.  Tom was inducted last year, and was a colleague of "Red" for a number of years when both of them taught and coached at Madison.  It seems fair to say that "Red" was a larger version of Tom.  Both competed in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball.  While track and field in our high school years was not a strong point in our athletic program, it definitely was in "Red's" day, as verified by their state championship in 1951.  As mentioned above, this was the last year the BHS boys were able to win the trophy trophy because of their running, jumping, and throwing prowess. 

There are some interesting notes concerning his obituary.  The top photo shows "Red" in his black Bobcat basketball uniform.  That picture appears to have been taken in the Central gym.  That jersey may also have been worn by one of our classmates when we were on the Junior High "B" basketball team in our 8th grade year.  In those days, they gave the old high school uniforms that were still usable to the junior high players.   Sometimes, for those of us who still had some maturing to do, our mothers would have to alter them a little bit so they fit somewhat decently.

One can see that there are two pictures (one in the top photo, the other in the bottom photo) taken at Nick's.   If one grew up in Brookings, no explanation is necessary.

He graduated from college the same year we would have started kindergarten. 

By coincidence, the date of his funeral is the date of his birth.  He was just about a week short of reaching his 86th birthday.  One of his casketbearers is Don Larson.  Don was a standout athlete at Madison when "Red" was teaching and coaching there. While at SDSU, he was a standout hurdler and quarter-miler.   He was also in one of my classes at SDSU:  religion with Dr. David Fee.  He has been the men's track and field coach at NDSU for the past 40 years or so, and has done an outstanding job.  They have had phenomenal success during those years, winning numerous conference championships.

 Also noteworthy is that his burial is at Sinai.  His family is buried there, so it seems appropriate that "Red's" final resting place would be with them.  May he rest in peace.