THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: All about DADS — A Father’s Day tribute, from their sons and daughters

From supporting their kids from the stands, to enjoying hunting trips with them, to pushing them to be better, to setting an example of hard work, to treating all team members as if they were their own kids, dads do it all, don’t they? 

Here’s some love stories about dads, from Press readers.

Mel Alsager 

“My dad was a great supporter of my athletic endeavors through my school years from grade school to high school and his love for hunting and fishing,” son Rick Alsager wrote. “A stellar athlete himself playing three sports at Emmett High School and baseball at many Air Force bases. He also coached, along with his younger brother, youth football teams for many years in the Boise area. This included coaching me for four years.  

“One of my fondest memories was playing youth league football games on a Saturday morning, then jumping in the car and driving to my grandparents’ farm to hunt pheasants. We did this many times which carried over to late fall for waterfowl and deer hunting.   

“Mel also played slow- and fastpitch softball in Boise for many years. He played softball long enough for me to be able to play with him. What a great memory. His passion for sports, hunting and fishing transferred to me and I have passed that love to my son, son-in-law and four grandsons. Thank you, Dad!” 

Gary Scoble 

“I truly am my father's daughter, ever since I was little I was glued to his side,” wrote his daughter, Kaitlyn Scoble, who played softball at Shadle Park High in Spokane and at Wenatchee Valley College, also played club softball for the Northwest Wildfire, and now lives in Coeur d’Alene. “Growing up I always found myself trying to rope my dad into something, and he always willingly came along.  

“Once I got old enough, it was softball, and he truly pushed me to be my very best. He was my coach from the start, and he never let me give up no matter how many times I thought I wasn't good enough. He pushed me all the way into high school and eventually pushed me until I got my very own scholarship to play in college. I don't think he ever realizes the support he offered, even when he didn't know how to say it.  

“As I've gotten older and moved either states away or just 20 minutes down the road, I know my dad is always there, and I'm happy that I can support him through the tough times just like he has for me. Watching me grow has probably been tough for him, but I hope he knows how much I love it because now we get to be best friends, even if he still nags me as my father ...  

“The picture I've chosen is the one that always pops into my mind because it's so simple, yet it shows a reflection of the future and just where our relationship would end up, still side by side, enjoying the little moments together.” 

Love,  

Boo Bear 

Earl Anderson Grove 

“Dad was also a big baseball fan … took me to see the Yanks often … saw Mickey Mantle hit homers in four different parks,” wrote his son, Russ Grove. 

“A hard worker … civil defense, office of emergency planning, a medic on the beaches of Normandy, in on the early atom bomb testing in the Southwest, which ultimately caused his leukemia which caused his death in 1970 … buried in Arlington National Cemetery.” 

“A scientist whose last days were at the National Academy of Sciences … he was always busy, doing some secret project, but always had time for his family … I love you DAD!!!” 

Louis Spinazza 

“In honor of Father’s Day, I wanted to share a few thoughts about my dad, Louis Spinazza,” wrote his daughter, Sue Spinaza. “My dad was very involved with all the activities of his children and grandchildren. My dad loved to watch all sports, and was an athlete himself. Growing up in Coeur d’Alene, I started playing softball at age 10.  I was proud to be chosen to play on the first 13-15 year-old girls softball team for a national tournament held in Coeur d’Alene. Red Halpern worked at the Parks and Rec department, and was instrumental in getting this tournament to be held in Cd’A. Steve Anthony, Les Hutchinson and my dad coached and managed our softball team. This was the beginning of a long history of great girls/women’s softball teams in Cd’A. 

“My dad never missed a game or a practice and traveled to every away game and tournament. The wonderful thing about my dad is that he embraced every girl who played on our softball team and loved them as if they were his own daughter.  We created many special memories through the years from all of the softball games. Sports Cellar, was the best sponsor, and owned by Greg Crimp. We always had the best uniforms and equipment because of Greg and his commitment to our team.  

“My dad raised 6 children, 5 girls and 1 boy. Sadly over the years, we lost some softball players to illness and tragedy, and this caused great heartache to my dad. He also lost his only son before he passed in 2009. I will always treasure the memories of my dad and especially all the fun we had with softball. Although he is no longer here, I know he is watching over us in spirit. 

"Thank you, Dad for being such an amazing man, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew you.” 

With love, 

Sue Spinazza 

Mark Nelke is sports editor of The Press. He can be reached at 208-664-8176, Ext. 1205, or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @CdAPressSports. 

    Courtesy photo Kaitlyn Scoble and her dad, Gary.

    Courtesy photo Earl Anderson Grove, in 1942.
  

    Courtesy photo Russ Grove, wearing his father Earl's military uniform in 1950.

    Courtesy photo Sue Spinazza, left, and her father, Louis Spinazza.