In an editorial entitled “It’s nice Coach Rossi can enjoy Rossi Field,” the Monroe News praised the Monroe Public Schools’ Board of Education for renaming the Monroe High School softball field while Vince Rossi is alive to enjoy the accolade.  Here is the text of the editorial:

         Legendary Coach Vince Rossi can sit in the stadium seats at the softball field he helped develop and know that it was named in his honor.

         That doesn’t happen often.

         Traditionally, organizations such as schools and incorporated communities like to honor people who have made significant contributions, but it’s often after they are gone.  Perhaps it always seems as if it is done that way, but it’s refreshing for boards or councils to act quickly enough when the recipient is still around to appreciate it.

         Monroe Township Supervisor Alan Barron and former Miss America Kaye Lani Wilson both have streets named in their honor.  And in late 2003, the Monroe City Council named Capucilli Park on E. Elm Ave. after the city’s longtime mayor, C.D. (Al) Capucilli.  All were able to appreciate the gesture.

         Honoring extraordinary residents when they’re gone certainly is appropriate.  But being able to do so when they’re still with us is even better.  And Mr. Rossi certainly deserves having the field named after him.  During 32 seasons as the varsity coach at Monroe High School, he compiled an impressive record of 807-246-3 with 22 league championships.  He also led his teams to three appearances in the state Final Four before retiring in 2012.

         During that time, Mr. Rossi was instrumental in creating a new stadium. A goal he believed was important because student athletes deserved a quality field.  He insisted that the stadium seats be installed instead of benches because he wanted it to be a premiere, first-class facility.  So he led a group of parents, who sought donations. In 2000, the first game was played at the field of dreams.

         It would be nice if others followed the example of the Monroe Board of Education,

         Naming a park or field after someone is special.  Naming it while they’re still around to appreciate it is even better.Editorial praises Rossi Field naming