It must have been Coach’s genuine character and gentle spirit that B.G. Short recognized when hiring “Diz” for his first teaching position.  We in my generation at Norwood High School were fortunate, indeed, to have known “Diz” and to have had him as our coach, teacher, and friend.  We honor Coach Owens’ memory, and with his lovely family and many friends, we mourn his sudden departure from this earth. 

"Runt" must have been persuasive, because Coach Ferebee changed his mind.  “Listen, boys,” he told us, “I said none of you could hit with a 36-inch bat, but I decided Ronald can do so.  He convinced me that he can handle a bat that large.  But the rule stands for the rest of you.”