I first learned of Coach Meyer when I heard him speak at a clinic in Atlantic City in the early 90’s. He was surrounded by many incredible coaches that included Bob Knight, Pat Summit, Tara Vandeveer, Fran Frachilla and many others. Listening to all the coaches, I carried all of what Coach Meyer said throughout my coaching career.
When I had my first child in 2001,I was in my third year as a varsity basketball coach. In 2003, my daughter had seizures that were uncontrollable. She was put in a medically induced coma and pumped full of medications. Nothing worked. She underwent brain surgery and doctors removed most of her left frontal lobe of her brain. She lost her ability to walk and talk. Today she is 12 and still cannot walk and talk.
I tell this story not for myself, but for what Coach Meyer did for me. After his accident, I reached out to him and told him where I had seen him speak and about my daughter. His responded to my email and also sent a packet if inspirational material with a hand written letter. His words on that page spoke of everything that he was about. Selflessness, caring, belief and strength. When telling him that this forced me to give up coaching, he emphasized that nothing is more important than family and faith.
Although I had never had the chance to personally meet Coach Meyer, he will be an integral part of my life moving forward.
My condolences to his wife and family.
– Robert Romanyshyn