Tribute Game to Yvonne Kralovec

It was a special West Iron County High School girls’ basketball game tonight. My father, Charles is pictured above with my brother Andy and daughter Ocean. He is the public address announcer for the school’s football, basketball, and track n’ field games. Tonight, the Wykons (West Iron County High School nickname) were taking on Kingsford High School and my Dad was at his usual post as the announcer.

There was a moment of silence before the game for my mother. Yvonne Kralovec started the girls’ basketball program at the school. The first team debuted in 1974. My mother coached girls’ basketball for a total of 42 years. She mostly worked with the younger students, ranging from grades 4 – 10. In her later years, she was the official scorekeeper for the games. It was nice to see her niece, Kim Heikkila, scoring tonight’s game. It was also a warm touch that all of the Wykon players when they were announced came over and shook my Dad’s hand. My mom coached all of the girls on the team at one time. I think it was also appropriate that her grand daughter, Ocean was at the game. She wanted to keep running out on the floor. Many of our friends came up to us to offer their condolences.