THE PROMISE

By Thomas Tibai

A Special Olympics Michigan coach for 10 years, Jerry is “a wonderful coach who cares for his athletes.” Anne Rogers, Area Director #27 (Livingston) and #20 (Washtenaw) said, “He helps them to do the best they can.”

Dedicated to his girl’s basketball team, The Pink Panthers, Jerry is a man of his word. In fact he will do anything for his team. With an upbeat and outgoing personality, Jerry Hincka is always willing to go the extra mile. He even gave an extra incentive to his team before the State Female Basketball finals and it seemed it worked.

Jerry promised his team he would shave his head if The Pink Panthers won their division in the State Basketball Championship. Taking home the gold was always at the top of the list for The Pink Panthers, but Jerry’s head shaving promise was all the girls could think of. The girls expected Jerry to follow through with his promise and they all made sure he did.

After the girls brought home the gold, it was time for Jerry to lose the grey. Jerry’s family had a get-together with his team and together, they shaved his head. Entertaining and fun, it was what the team needed. Not only did they win the gold, but they also saw all their hard work pay off. They got to see Jerry’s shaved head in all its shining glory.

A dedicated coach, Jerry wants nothing more than to see his team succeed and if shaving his head was an assist to win, he took one for the team. A man of his word, Jerry shaved his head with honor and pride. An example to us all, Jerry is willing to do anything for his team.

Posted: 2010-04-20