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Soccer field named in memory of beloved coach
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In January, 2002, the local youth sports community was stunned and saddened to learn of the death of Walt Penney, struck by a speeding car as he was biking on Sligo Creek Parkway. This May 14th the soccer field at Jequie Park was named in his honor.
(Pictured below) Howard Kohn, commissioner of Takoma Park Soccer, knelt to unveil the plaque before Penney's family, friends and admirers. |
Photo:Tom Radcliffe Walt Penney |
Kohn said, "Years from now people will see this marker and wonder who Walt was. Was he a politician? No, he wasn’t. And normally I would say, ‘Thank goodness!' But, ahem, [joking with public officials at the event] this is a mixed crowd.
"Well, then, was he some other kind of bigshot? A banker? A lawyer? No, he wasn’t. He was far more important. He was a coach. He inspired kids. He instilled in them a sense of discipline, the value of teamwork and an enthusiasm for life. What could be a higher achievement than that!"
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Inscription on Walt Penney's marker:
In honor of Walt Penney who found enjoyment on Takoma Park's sports fields and returned it tenfold. The spirit of "Coach Walt" will always be alive in the glee of children at play and in the pride of cheering parents. |
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