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Analysis Of A Good Man Down

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Sports Illustrated writer, Lee Jenkins, writes about the impact of a small-town football coach had on his community, before and after death in the article “A Good Man Down.” The author explains the life of Ed Thomas, the head coach for the Apilington-Parkersburg football team in Iowa. Ed Thomas was shot and killed while training his athletes by Mark Becker. Lee Jenkins begins by using very detail accounts to bring out the pathos of the town, bringing the audience to feel emotionally connected to the town of Parkersburg. In the beginning of this article Jenkins explains the importance of the field to Ed Thomas. Every morning Ed walked the field, looking for any imperfection to correct. Dave Meyer, the Apilington-Parkersburg principal said, “It’s probably the best field in the state.” The field was so import to Ed Thomas and he took such great care of it that it was even named after him. “The field has standard-issue metal bleachers, no box office, no fancy scoreboard. What makes it special, what makes it sacred, is the love that Thomas poured into the turf.” Ed Thomas did anything he could help the town out. On some Sundays, he’d fill in for the pastor if they were not able to preach. He gave newborn boys “FUTURE FALCONS” certificates. He did everything from being a driver’s ed instructor to mowing his precious field. He had no idea how much more of an impact he would have.
“On May 25, 2008, a tornado with winds exceeding 200 mph cut a hole three quarters of a mile wide

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