Episode #84 - Widowmaker by Dick Stephens

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Dick Stephens to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Stephens, a multi-sport athlete who also played football and baseball, was one of the key boys basketball players off the bench his junior. In 1964, Dodgeville (WI) High School made history, winning the single class state boys basketball championship. Despite their small enrollment, the Dodgers would advance to the state championship game and shock the state by defeating powerhouse Milwaukee North 59–45. That championship season would remain a highlight in Dick’s life, but it was just the beginning of a splendid professional life marked by hard work, service, and perseverance.

After high school, Stephens attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He was a member of the men’s baseball and basketball teams. He would earn a degree in Business Education that would lead to an impressive teaching and coaching career in the Schaumburg, Illinois school district. He was a respected and dedicated professional shaping young minds in the classroom.

It was in retirement that Dick Stephens would use some of his athletic achievement and professional service, to face his biggest challenge—surviving the “widowmaker,” a 99% blockage that led to triple bypass surgery. Fueled by that championship season, his experience as a college athlete, he fought through the recovery process with grit and gratitude. He looks back on it all with fond memories. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!