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Hartley Miller's Slap Shots - October 14th Edition

By Hartley Miller

Tom Masich

"My kids are important but so are everyone else's". These are the words of Tom Masich, a long time Prince George resident whose legacy will impact generations of young people for years to come. 

Tom is a down to earth, no frills individual. He doesn't live in a fancy house; he doesn't drive a fancy car, eat fancy food or wear fancy clothes. Tom, and his wife of 44 years, Ann have a close knit family, raising four kids; Sam, John, Bill and Laura. Masich is your average every day “Tom, Dick or Harry” with one big exception; he gives way more than he receives. All you have to do is ask the many athletes that have served under his tutelage for the past half a century. 

Tom was inducted in to the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. His accomplishments, which run longer than the Nechako River, have been well documented. Tom (and Ann) started the Prince George Track and Field Club. Because of his leadership, and guidance, many of his students have earned College or University Scholarships, and have kept in touch with him on a regular basis. 

While Tom will always be associated with Track, his love of many other sports and contributions to several other organizations should be well noted. One of those is the Prince George Minor Basketball Association which he founded. No one in that league dare touch the principles that he started. It's one of the few leagues left that doesn't keep score until the grade 7/8 division. 

In a decision that is long overdue, the City of Prince George will finally change the spelling of Massey Place Stadium to Masich Place Stadium at the facility at 2pm on Saturday, October 15th. Why City officials waited so long to make an obvious gesture is puzzling. The public has requested this move for years, and finally the City caved in to the pressure. Without Tom Masich, the local track club would still be operating out of Lakewood Junior Secondary. 

Tom will be the first to tell you he’s been very fortunate to have Anne. They are like a hand in a glove. Anne has always supported her husband, whether it is fund raising, book keeping, telephoning, organizing, or letter writing.....you get the point. 

What keeps Tom ticking is his love for kids, watching them grow into adulthood, and making a positive contribution to society. This is the essence of his character, and hits to the very core of his values and principles, which has made him one of the most recognized names in Prince George sports history. 

In May of this year, he became very emotional when his family organized a well attended birthday party at his second home (the track club). This upcoming weekend promises to be very special again. 

Prince George is about to name its 2005 Prince George Citizen of the Year. Let me be the first to officially nominate Tom Masich for the 2006 Citizen of the Year Award. I can't think of a better tribute or present for someone who next year will celebrate a 70th birthday. 



? It seems that aging Ottawa Renegades Vice-President of Football Operations, Forrest Gregg, is not quite with it anymore. When asked if he was likely to acquire the rights to former New York Giants quarterback Jesse Palmer from the Montreal Alouettes he replied. "If I had to put a percentage on it, I'd say not likely."

? Actress Carmen Electra discussed her marriage to former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman on Entertainment Tonight,” What can I say? It was the happiest eight days of my life."

? Seattle Times copy editor Jerry Faull, following an incident in which pitcher Roger Craig cut his hand on a bra clasp. "So that's where his split-finger came from?"

And, how is your week?

--Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97FM. He also writes for the PG Free Press, and is author of You Don't Say (Andrews-McMeel, 2005).

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