Archive - Dec 10, 2008

I wanted to express my thanks to two very kind souls who on Dec. 6, 2008, showed wonderful spirit to my family. I had a little squabble with my son in a store, because I didn’t have enough money to buy him something he really wanted. Not only did we get a special coupon for said store, but in the parking lot a total stranger handed me money to go and buy presents for my son. I was embarrassed, but also incredibly grateful. I hope that all of you who are struggling in this very tough economic crisis will encounter such wonderful people and I want to thank all of you who are sharing your blessings!

Heide Kaminski
Tecumseh

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the kind person who found my ring at the Tecumseh Country Club this past weekend. He or she was honest enough to turn it into the club’s management and thus to me.

This ring is my VMI College class ring which I’ve been wearing for the past 73 years. It means very much to me.

Thanks — thanks a million.

John A. Gialanella
Tecumseh

We would like to thank all our customers who helped us go on this vacation in January 1969 to Hawaii, San Fransisco, and Las Vegas.

We are the former owners of the Tecumseh Country Market on Russell Road and Bob’s Market on W. Chicago Blvd.

Have a very Merry Christmas.

Bob and Sylvia Meadows

By MICKEY ALVARADO

Slow and steady wins the race and it was a pace that was well suited for Tecumseh's varsity wrestlers in their first outing of the season.

Tecumseh won both of its matches during the Thursday, Dec. 4, event, first defeating Columbia Central 56-16 and then Sand Creek 53-21 despite having to come from behind in both outings.

Tecumseh followed with a third place finish at the Brooklyn Columbia Central Team Tournament.

The Indians had four wrestlers go undefeated at 5-0 during the day. Sticking all five of their opponents with pins to finish undefeated were Nate Bagby, Travis McPherson and Kyle Connors. Cass Marcum also went 5-0 for Tecumseh.

To start the event the Indians pounded Anchor Bay (B) 74-3 and then downed Waterford Kettering 39-26.

After advancing to the semi-finals the Indians beat rival Mason 49-30. Mason was ranked fifth in the state in Division 2 heading into the 16-team tournament.

“The match against Mason was a great high school wrestling match,” said new Tecumseh coach Casey Randolph. “It also showed our kids what they are capable of this year.”

In the finals the Indians were handed their first loss by Anchor Bay with a 51-30 final. (Anchor Bay is ranked seventh in the state in Division 1).

The fifth round consisted of a wrestle off for true second place and the Indians were defeated 49-30 by Plainwell, who is ranked seventh in the state in Division 2.

Tecumseh currently holds a record of 3-2 and is now ranked eighth in the state in Division 2 by www.michigangrappler.com.

In Tecumseh's quad opener at home it started with an 11-2 loss at 130-pounds against Columbia Central.

Clinton’s varsity wrestling team opened its season by defeating Homer 67-12, but suffered a loss to Manchester 46-12 to follow.

“We came out very sluggish against Manchester and before we knew it, we were too far behind to catch up,” said Clinton coach Kevin Beazley.

Going 2-0 on the night for Clinton was Scott Noble (125), Jesse Sexton (152) and Drew Porter (160).

“We didn’t wrestle to our potential, but it is very early and we will see Manchester again for team districts,” added Beazley.

The wrestlers competed Saturday, Dec. 6, in Birch Run for their 12 team super duals and went 5-0 to win the championship.

It was the second season in a row that Clinton has won the championship trophy.

The Redskins went undefeated on the day by defeating Frankenmuth 62-18, Highland Park 50-30, Farwell 53-24, Bullock Creek 49-24 and Clio 34-32.

“We finally got things going after last Wednesday's loss and the ‘Skins wrestled great,” said Beazley. “We still have a lot of work to do, to get to Battle Creek, but I was very proud of how they wrestled on Saturday.”

In the championship match against Clio, Clinton was down 32-28 and it came down to Sexton to capture the victory for the team, and he did so in outstanding fashion with a pin pounded out in just six seconds flat.

Going 5-0 on the day were Eric Smither (103), Sexton (160), Andrew Tice (189) and Aaron Tice (215). Going 3-0 on the day was Drew Porter (171). Going 4-1 on the day was Scott Noble (125), Henry Kokenakes (130), Connor Koester (135) and Lee Smither (140).

A long life of service to our country and community with a smile and a song ended Nov. 17, 2008 with the death of Leon Maurice Williamson. He was 92 years old. Leon was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor, and the last of the brave pilots who flew off the island of Midway against the Japanese armada during the decisive Battle of Midway. Leon flew attacks against supply ships at Guadalcanal, and served during the Korean conflict. He was awarded the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, three air medals, and a Presidential Unit Citation. This last May he was a guest speaker at the Victory at Midway Commemoration on the aircraft carrier USS Midway. The carrier has been turned into a museum, tribute and education center in San Diego. Upon requirement from the Marines, Leon has risen to the rank of Colonel. While in the reserves he started another career which allowed him to use his degrees in Botany and Landscape Architecture. While working for the County of Los Angeles, he designed the landscaping of the parks and recreational facilities throughout the county.
Leon was a member of the International Orchid Society. He volunteered to design the landscaping for the Las Lomas Verdes swim club and the Fullerton Ebell Club. Leon was a 32° Mason, a member of the Los Nietos Valley Shrine Club, a member of the First Methodist Church in Fullerton and a member of the Orange Empire Chorus. He enjoyed speaking to students in schools around Orange County about World War II.
Leon was born Feb. 1, 1917 in Tecumseh.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pattie B. Williamson, his two daughters Charron Seitz and Ginger Miller, four grandchildren, Amber Seitz, Adam Seitz, Terry Miller and Lindsey Miller; three great-grandchildren Michael, Thomas and Hannah Seitz, and a younger brother Robert Williamson of Tecumseh.