Column:
Rick Vink was one of the first people I interacted with, at least on a coach-reporter basis, when I rolled into town almost a year ago.
Vink and his Post 15 Iola Indians were preparing to host the AA American Legion Zone Tournament at the Humboldt Sports Complex and I went out and got quotes for a preview story.
I was greeted kindly and immediately brought into the Iola sports world by Vink that day.
Rick, his wife Therese and their family will be moving up to Eudora at the end of this week after years of dedication to the Iola community and its sports teams.
From coaching the Indians for several years including leading them to a runner-up spot at state last year to being a constant presence at Iola sporting events whether his son Isaac was playing or not Vink has really been one of the pillars of the Iola sports community.
Vink turned over the reins for the Post 15 Indians after last season knowing that a move was imminent. Even so, he remained incredibly involved behind the scenes doing everything from scheduling teams for Iolas home tournament to start the season to securing umpires for Iolas home games.
The Iola stands and sidelines are sure to miss Vinks bluster and good nature win or lose.
Ill miss his willingness to always be a sounding board on the state of Iola sports and the pride in his eyes whenever his son Isaac made a big play, whether it be on the football field, basketball court or baseball diamond.
Maybe the biggest testament to his impact on the area was the fact that I didnt think of this column on my own. It was called in as a request by someone whos seen the work Vink has done and has appreciated it greatly.
He never did it for the acknowledgment, but that doesnt mean hes not deserving of some even as hes on his way out the door.
