Profound influence
I can't imagine this will be the first or the last letter you will receive offering words of praise for Bob Frisk. Even knowing his declining health, learning of his passing was a shock.
It has been my pleasure to be part of the Daily Herald's cadre of freelance prep correspondents, starting in 1988. Bob's influence on this enthusiastic group of "stringers" was profound. While every one of us had his or her own writing style and favorite sports, Bob's emphasis on the positive was evident.
Two venues were highlights of any prep sports season - Bob Frisk nights, if you will. Football assignments at Prospect High School were brightened by the knowledge that Bob and former Sports Editor Tom Quinlan would be walking the sidelines nearby, providing insights and adding tidbits from his never-ending network of friends, coaches and officials.
The other favorite was the Wheeling Wildcat Harwood Classic, which I was lucky enough to cover for 20 years. Bob and friends would be seated behind the press table or in the hospitality room, where he greeted everyone with a smile.
Having one's byline in the Daily Herald's prep sports section is a privilege. There is a standard established by Bob, and every time I would hit "send" on an email with an article, it was submitted in the hope that it met that standard for accurate, positive reporting of prep sports.
Our corner of the world is a better place for Bob having been here. He will be missed.
Larry Weindruch
Palatine