Crim: As ‘one of the good guys,’ Heller impacted lives of thousands of athletes as player, coach and official

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | December 23, 2024
Ed Heller poses with his wife, Carol, after his induction into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006. | Photo courtesy of the Heller family

LAGRANGE, Mo. β€” Joe Heller remembers what Saturdays during basketball season were like growing up. His mom, Carol, would pack the referee bag for his dad, Ed. Five separate changes of clothes were available, each change neatly packed together so Ed could just pull out the next set at each stop. β€œHe was stuck babysitting…

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Crim: Walton’s journey brings him home, where teaching and coaching made for a fulfilling career

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | March 7, 2022
Rod Walton, who coached boys basketball at Payson Seymour and men's basketball and golf at Culver-Stockton College, is back in Canton, Mo., after spending time in Colorado after his retirement. Submitted photo

CANTON, Mo. β€” Rod Walton quietly moved back to Canton last month, a place he called home during a 30-year association with Culver-Stockton College. He spends his days visiting with old friends, some former high school basketball coaching colleagues, and other old C-SC hands he remained in contact with after retiring in 2012. He tries…

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