Statement was an insult to a legend

I just finished the article by Jim O'Donnell regarding the legacy of Bob Frisk. Let me first say that Bob was a wonderful sports writer who worked tirelessly to cover girls and boys athletic performances in District 214 and District 211. Those of us in athletics are very grateful for his outstanding coverage of high school sports.

However, O'Donnell's suggestion that the naming of the Prospect High School Jean Walker Field House was misguided is inappropriate. Jean Walker is a legend in women's sports and has been fittingly recognized for her outstanding contributions to the lives of so many athletes by her name being on the Prospect Field House.

Thanks to her, as well as other women, high school girls are able to compete today. During the Title IX movement, Jean worked tirelessly to battle the sexist ideologies that governed the world of athletics. She was an athletic director, teacher, coach and pioneer at Prospect for over 30 years. She led the way for girls athletics in District 214, the Mid-Suburban League and the state. She was the IHSA state tennis director for 25 years, organizing and running the tournament at Prospect.

For her leadership in developing organized athletics for high school girls, Jean was recognized nationally by the Division of Girl's and Women's Sports. I could go on and on about all the wonderful work Jean Walker did for girls sports, but the fact that the Field House was named after her speaks for itself.

Why did Jim O'Donnell single out the Prospect Field House? Why did he not mention any of the other named athletic areas in District 214 or District 211? Could it be because they were named for men? It seems women are never done fighting for their rights and their dignity.

Sandy Pifer

Arlington Heights