Thursday, June 4, 2020
Other than my parents, Bill Agresta was the greatest influence in my life. He pushed me to be better, to reach for goals that otherwise might not have seemed attainable.
I remember coming into Hemlock High School as a freshman, a skinny little kid that wanted to play football. Bill grabbed me and said, "Maybe you can be good at football, but I can help you be a great runner!" Four years later I was part of a special family of runners in Hemlock, too many great friends to list. I ended up with a scholarship to Northwood University, where I received a degree that allowed me to land my dream job and where I met my future wife and mother of my two great kids. All of this happened because Coach Agresta saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.
Coach Agresta built the running culture in Hemlock with sheer will-power, creating a dominant track and cross country program that was feared and respected throughout the State. More importantly, he changed lives. He made people better. He taught all of us about life, the importance of friendship, and how to "find that extra gear" to accomplish the goal. He was a GREAT man.
I think of him often. He will live forever in my memories and will continue to influence my decisions for the rest of my life.
Run well, Bill!
John Morrison (Class of '84)
