Community gathers to celebrate Bill Althaus

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News


I want to thank my wife Stacy, my son Sean and so many valued friends for attending Thanks a Million Bill – a celebration of my 43-year career as a sportswriter and columnist at The Examiner.

My buddy Tony Wrisinger did all the leg work, Grain Valley High School activities director Brandon Hart graciously allowed us to have the celebration in the school's auditorium, and I am still overwhelmed by the number of friends – old and new – who spent a part of their Friday night with me and my family.

One reason for the celebration's success was the participation of Grain Valley legend and University of Missouri basketball standout – and all-around great person – Grace Slaughter. She made a special trip from Columbia to join the fun. It's always great to see Grace and her mom, Becky, who has rebounded more than 20,000 basketballs over the years during a practice routine that made Grace the best at what she does.

Two gentlemen were there in spirit, but could not make the event. Allen Lefko, Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Grain Valley, who has become a father figure and mentor to me since my family moved to Grain Valley 26 years ago. And my high school journalism teacher Ron Clemons, who has been a friend and mentor the past 53 years. I love each of you with all my heart and I could feel your spirit in the auditorium.

It surprised me, and meant so much to me, that Grain Valley Mayor Mike Todd attended the event with his daughter Harper, to present a plaque on Bill Althaus Celebration Day and to State Representative Jeff Coleman, for a resolution honoring me for my work at The Examiner, Sonic Locker Room, and Grain Valley News. 

We talked about some great memories from my days at The Examiner, thanked Cory and John Unrein, for allowing to me still do what I enjoy – write about student/athletes and events in Grain Valley for the Grain Valley News – and let folks know what type of impact our radio program, The Sonic Locker Room, has made over the past 17 years. And that's all because of Tony and his daughter, Olivia, the brightest and best young producer I've worked with.

I will admit, there were a few tears, a ton of smiles and memories to last a lifetime. Thank you so much!

Here are a few comments from some people who were unable to attend the event:

"I can't ever thank you enough Bill for everything that you have done for me, our family, our school, our athletic programs and for our kids. Congratulations on an incredible career that has had such a positive impact on so many." - Andy Herbert, Eagles Head Basketball Coach

"Bill Althaus is a respected writer, but to me he is also a friend.  I appreciate his approach to coaches and to athletes, and the way he tells important stories.  I wish every time I talked with him was following a win, but we had conversations after tough losses as well, and all those conversations happen through his knowledgeable sports eye, with the compassion and interest they deserve.  

He asks questions that help me frame my emotions in those big and sometimes small moments.  That's his professionalism coming through.  I am also grateful for the way he honors student athletes with his writing.  He details their accomplishments, but he also captures their character, something so important to me and our program.  I think of Bill as a neighbor--his Grain Valley roots are evident, as he continues to support our community and school. 
 
I would guess that perhaps thousands of teams and athletes have felt Bill's presence in journalism and maybe hundreds of thousands of readers have shared a moment when reading his accounts.  We have a rare gem among us and I am grateful to call Bill a friend." - David Allie, Eagles Head Football Coach

"Former Chicago Bears National Football League Hall of Famer Mike Ditka has been quoted as saying, 'class is hard to define.' Bill Althaus exudes class in everything he does. More importantly, he has done it consistently through a journalism career that has lasted over forty years. 

Bill loves to write, and more importantly he brings to life the stories of those who call Grain Valley home.  Bill is respectful, kind, empathetic, caring, and thoughtful to those he meets on his journey through life. Even if you don't have the joy of getting to call him your friend, you will experience these traits in your interactions with Mr. Althaus. Grain Valley High School and the community of Grain Valley could have no better ambassador than Bill Althaus. A class act." - John Unrein, Grain Valley News

"Bill is an All-Star in his field. Thanks for your friendship over the years." - George Brett, Kansas City Royals Hall of Famer

Grain Valley High School - thank you! Thank you for hosting a celebration of 43 years of excellence. Congrats to my good friend Bill Althaus on a JOB WELL DONE! Whenever I see Bill, or see his byline, it always makes me smile. You're the best. - Rick Sutcliffe, Cy Young Award Winner 

It doesn't matter if Bill is covering an event or game with George Brett or a nine-hole high school golf match in the middle of the week, Bill puts the same effort and attention to detail into every story. That's what makes him great and loved by so many.

Thank you for all you do for the Mavericks. I feel that very few people truly understand what goes in to creating a winning culture. It’s been a very long and difficult road to get to where we are, and it’s people like you that stand by this team. You are a valued member of our media base and will always have a seat with this team. - Mike Cukyne, Kansas City Mavericks Team President 

"Congratulations to Bill on his retirement. Bill has done a tremendous job covering the Mavericks throughout his tenure and has become a true friend along the way. His professionalism and authenticity are second to none. Bill's thorough reporting and attention to detail, and strong work ethic have left a lasting impact. I am incredibly grateful for all he has done to cover the Mavericks and sports across the city. We are lucky to have him in our corner and I'm honored to call him a friend." - Tad O'Had, Kansas City Mavericks Head Coach and General Manager

Grain Valley High School basketball coach Randy Draper and Grain Valley graduate and all-time leader in scoring for the Eagles basketball team Grace Slaughter were part of the Thanks A Million Bill Celebration Friday night at Grain Valley High School. Photo credit: Danny Stickley.

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I was able to celebrate my 43-year career at The Examiner with my wife Stacy (from left), Becky Slaughter and her daughter Grace, the greatest high school basketball player I ever covered. Grace and her family are an important part of my and Stacy's lives. We are so blessed for everyone who attended. Photo credit: Tony Wrisinger