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John Nielsen, HS Basketball Coach and Builder of Boys

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I will never forget when the basketball team was invited to play in the Great Alaska High School Shootout.  Because the football team played in the state championship game we had virtually no time to practice with the whole team.  When we flew in to Anchorage we went to the gym for a shoot around/practice.  Because it was Sunday I gave the players the option of shooting or not.  True to form, Aaron sat and watched to honor the Sabbath day.  You are my hero, Aaron.

Reading the many comments about Aaron brings me to the Aaron Thatcher I knew and know. Let me tell you about Aaron when he is in the game. When I coached Aaron and the game began he was a fierce competitor. His persona changed from the boy who was kind and loving to all he knew to a person that would fight and claw to win. Never doing anything against the rules or underhanded, but everything in his power to win for his teammates, his school and himself. He fought and he fought hard when the jump ball started the battle.

Aaron is in another battle now. I know the boy Aaron Thatcher is now the man Aaron Thatcher. I know that he is fighting as hard now as he has ever fought. Aaron always reminded me of the "Stripping Warriors" and as in Alma 57:27 "Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually."

I know that Aaron is battling with the wounds of cancer, but again we are told in Alma 58:40 "But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come." Aaron only God knows what is to come. I know of your faith, I have seen it. Lynda and I love you and that you are in the game and are fighting to win this battle.

Good luck and God's speed.

Comments

  1. Katie BaylesMarch 19, 2015 at 8:35 AM

    Coach,
    You have had such a great impact on our boys. We love and appreciate you. Thanks for posting this great memory.
    Kathy Thatcher

    ReplyDelete
  2. JimMarch 19, 2015 at 1:43 PM

    Coach Nielsen,

    What a terrific post! Thank you so much for sharing. This is a side of you we never saw when you were are freshman baseball coach or the mighty head BB coach! Thanks coach!
    Jim Howell

    ReplyDelete

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