Taking time to say thanks

As someone once said, it's called a cliché because it's true.

Take this week's column. It's cliché to ask people what they're thankful for at this time of year. It's also fun, interesting, occasionally poignant. Try it sometime this Thanksgiving weekend.

Here, in their words - hardly gussied up at all - are several reasons to be thankful from a variety of local folks involved one way or another in Kane County athletics.

Don Beebe, Aurora Christian head football coach

I'm thankful for a lot of things, as I have a great wife (Diana) and kids (Amanda, Chad, MaKayla, Kaitlyn), in which I couldn't ask for anything more. But what drives me and what I am thankful for the most is my relationship with Jesus Christ. With Him I have everything, without Him I have nothing.

Mike Gaspari, Batavia athletic director and head football coach

I'm just thankful I've had the opportunity to work with some of the best young men in the community for the past 25 years. I've been blessed to work with some great coaches in the program. I'm thankful I've had a family that's supported me for the past 25 years.

Kurt Wehrmeister, public address announcer, Geneva football and basketball

I am thankful this November for my continued health; for the love of my wife, my sons, my family and friends; and for the fact that my father (who died Oct. 15 at age 83) is now free of the debilitations that he could never come to terms with.

Scott Stolzenburg, father of St. Charles North students Jeff and Jillian and 2007 graduate Greg; husband of wife of 11 years, Tina

I'm thankful that I've got a household of healthy kids and friends. We're thankful that we live in a country where we can still celebrate Thanksgiving.

Jeff Stolzenburg, St. Charles North senior football player

That's a tough one. I'm probably thankful for the things I've got, the people that surround me - my family, my dad, my mom, what they've given me as a kid. And my girlfriend (Ali DeBoer).

Don Davidson, Aurora Christian athletic director, former boys basketball coach

I'm thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ saved me for my sins 42 years ago. And I'm thankful for my family. My wife died two years ago, and I remarried a little over a year ago. I'm a newlywed. I'm thankful for both of my families now. Between my wife and I we have 11 children counting the in-law kids, and we have 13 grandchildren between us. So I'm very thankful for that.

Jeff Conforti, father of 2008 Geneva graduate and football player Jake Conforti, senior Vikings Dance Team member Jenna, and 10-year-old Jordan

I am thankful for my family, my community and the third NFL football game they added Thursday night.

Dan Thorpe, Marmion football and boys track coach

The opportunity to work with kids, students and athletes each day. I am thankful for working at an institution that embraces excellence in both academics and athletics. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be around a group of players and coaches who paid the price and were blessed with what happens when one works so hard. Finally - but should have been first - I am thankful for an understanding and loving family who have been patient and supported me during good seasons and bad.

Mike Armato, Aurora Central athletic director and student dean

Spending time with my wife, Holly, and children Emma and Peter.

Rosy Chatterton, Aurora Central secretary who provides Mr. Armato with a boatload of assistance

So many things I'm thankful for... First of all, with the economy I'm thankful to have a job. I'm thankful for my health and my family, and the health of the students here - and the increased population here at the school. I'm thankful for my extended family at Aurora Central, who've been caring and gracious over the years. I'm thankful that I was able to send two students to Aurora Central (Amy, Class of '02; Stacy, Class of '06). And, hopefully, continued health.

Craig Brueske, father of St. Charles East Drill Team member Brittany, and a Daily Herald correspondent

I'm thankful for a wonderful family and friends - and having the opportunity to cover high school sports for the Daily Herald.

And, coming full circle...

David Beebe, Aurora Christian football defensive coordinator

I don't know where to begin. I'm thankful for all of the sacrifices that so many others have made for me and all of us in America. That goes for all of our veterans, certainly my incredible family, and so many others. Mostly, I'm thankful for what the Lord has done for all of us.

Me? I'm thankful for late deadlines.

doberhelman@dailyherald.com