JUGGLING

Jerry confessed his fascination with juggling, said he went so far as to get the book, “Juggling for Dummies.” It didn’t work.

We watched a short video of a juggler riding a bicycle, juggling bowling pins and doing tricks with the bike. Amazing.

I remember learning to juggle when I was young, but couldn’t master anything beyond 3 items at once. Brings back a memory of two “losers” (guys who didn’t have dates on a Saturday night) in the house practicing juggling three baseballs and trying to perfect the art of sharing them back and forth. The other participant, Jim Stevenson, was at Nebraska on a baseball scholarship, so he was pretty handy.

Along comes Frank Solich and says, “Hey, I always wanted to learn how to juggle.” “Really, Frank, it takes a lot of practice, years.” “Well, just let me try.”

At that time, Frank held the single-game rushing record for Nebraska at something like 250 yards. I think it was against Air Force. He and another guy would strap weights under their shorts so they were listed at around 165 pounds.

The reason he was able to do things on the athletic field was brought home to me that night. Frank was “different.” In minutes he was juggling as well or better than either Jim or me. His brain and body worked in a way that ours didn’t.

Thinking of you, coach, as you lead the Ohio University Bobcats. Thinking of you, Jim Stevenson, killed in action, Viet Nam, 1969 (a member of Army Reserves, activated).

Jim and I shared a branch of the Army, Armor. It was reported he died in a vehicle very common in the day, the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). Designed for a different war on the other side of the world, but what they were using in 1969. Glad we didn't get called up, as he did. All honor to him for his service and sacrifice.