Kudos to the Post’s article about Mr. Gilbert Sprinkle. His skills as a coach and mentor are well known in this area, but few know that he is a tireless mathematician.

I know because I was a student under him during a span of eight months that changed my attitude about mathematics (also known as the universal language) and showed me a path that I might want to take.

My ninth-grade Algebra I teacher was, let’s say, less than adequate. Coach split our Algebra II class and retaught us Algebra I. By midterm, we were caught up with the rest of the class.

He gave me a love of mathematics that I carry with me to this day. I  have thanked him many times over the years, and I wish to now thank him publicly.

I urge everyone to seek out your heroes and mentors, especially teachers, and thank them. It is a way to pass on respect and love, which is sometimes needed in this sometimes morally unstable world.

As they say, “They’re sure not in it for the money.”

In this case, I think it was best said: “Respect gets you things money never will.”

So thanks, coach. You, along with coaches Harb, Cline, Neely, Corriher, Bradshaw and Waters (WCU), are my heroes.

— Andy Canup

Salisbury