Pete Harding, Played for Dave's 1st Team (1980-1983)

Dave, it is hard to believe I could be writing this in honor of your 30 years of coaching at Saint Thomas. I can remember it like it was yesterday, meeting you and Skin, for the first time, outside of Osborne Hill school in October 1980. I was only in the sixth grade but knew we were in for something special almost immediately.

You have had more of an impact on my life then you will ever know and for that I will be forever grateful. You were the best coach I ever played for and I found myself referring to things you said and did often as I got older.

Two things I remember clearly were the Saint James game which was our last game of the 6th grade season and the Saint Mary's tournament in the 8th grade. I know we have laughed together about those stories and relived them many times over the years (and for sure they will be re-told on 6/4!). They will go down as two of the best games I was ever a part of. You knew how to inspire us and get us to play beyond our potential. I had coaches I liked to play for after Saint Thomas but never one who knew how to motivate quite like you.

Dave, thanks for being a great coach and friend over the years. You are one of a kind and my life has truly been blessed as a result of getting to know you.

You're the best,

Peter Harding