Letters to the Editor

Pleased to see Eric Shields’ remembrance of the late Don Witherspoon in the Nov. 7 Herald, and happy that Shields included state Rep. Jim Gregory’s mention of Witherspoon’s golf exploits, what was left out was, to me, glaring. Williamsburg’s Don Appleman, a 1950s and ‘60s peer of the former Claysburg Kimmel athlete, can attest to Witherspoon’s comparable skills on the basketball court. When John Bush and I were managers of the Morrison Cove High School basketball teams from 1958-1960, we witnessed the sensational play of both Witherspoon and Appleman. Both were high-scoring shooting guards and adroit ball handlers. I remember Appleman for his soaring midcourt bombs that -- had the 3-point rule been in play -- would have boosted his career points listing into the stratosphere. While Witherspoon’s scoring average was not quite so dramatic, his explosive drives to the basket through defenses much taller and bulkier than he left me with vivid images. A fan, no matter which side he or she rooted for, could not have been unimpressed with the way Witherspoon played the game. But thanks, Mr. Shields, for the series of memorable Cove area personalities.

Robert Steele Davis

Waynesboro, Pa.