An upcoming event gives area residents a chance to learn more about one of North Simcoe's most decorated amateur athletes.
The popular A Day in the Life series takes a look into the life and legendary sporting prowess of retired Midland Secondary School teacher Chester Graham on February 24.
Tickets are going fast for the live offering at the Midland Cultural Centre’s Rotary Hall, according to MCC marketing and promotions coordinator Michelle Thibodeau.
“We have 30 tickets left for sale,” Thibodeau said Thursday. “Chester is known locally for his involvement in sports and we are hoping this event will sell out.”
Graham has excelled in so many sports that a case might be made to call him “Midland’s Best Athlete.”
He excelled at basketball, baseball, golf, hockey and virtually anything he tried and Graham has the trophies to back that up.
He was a three-year starter in basketball and golf at the University of Guelph, a three-time provincial champion in minor league hockey and a member of three Midland Indians Ontario championship baseball teams; not to mention two tryouts with major league baseball teams.
A Day in the Life host Fred Hacker said the program wants to concentrate more on homegrown success stories and local figures.
“Most of our guests have been national figures, who have come from away to be guests,” Hacker said. “But this past fall, and in the months ahead, we’re focusing more on local guests. And there are few more prominent local residents than Chester Graham.”
As well, Hacker noted that Graham wasn’t just an athlete, but has also been a very successful coach in multiple sports and a highly-regarded referee. And Graham’s organizational and managerial skills have assisted numerous local and provincial organizations over the years, including Branch #80 of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Midland Sports Hall of Fame and the 55+ Ontario Games.
Hacker said Graham has been on his radar as a potential guest for some time, but not just for his sporting abilities.
“He was a well-known, well-liked teacher at a local public school and high school where he later served as a guidance counsellor,” Hacker said.
“He was a coach, a referee and an administrator. Few local residents have touched as many lives as Chester Graham. Join us to explore his fascinating life of sports and service.”
To purchase tickets, click here.
