Katy Winge
Tuesday was a devastating day for Illinois State Univeristy and Bloomington-Normal. The lives of people close to our hearts were taken much too soon. I can’t help but feel pain and sorrow for the families that lost loved ones — all those whose lives will never be the same.
As a daughter raised by a father who is my best friend in the world, my heart shatters at the realization that those kids will grow up without a chance for that to be the case in their lives as well. I know the influence a dad has, and it absolutely crushes me to think about both Aaron and Torrey’s little ones growing up without their fathers by their side.
But I know both of their presences will be felt among their kids each and every day, and because of that they will grow up to be strong, smart, kind people just as their fathers were. With that being said, I want everyone to know the impact these two men had both on myself and on this community. Because the least I can do in these tough times is share how I watched them make the lives of those around them that much better. Some say they were destined for greatness, but I thought they were already pretty great.
Often in times like these, it is easy to get wrapped up in the misfortune and sadness of what has just taken place. At first, that was exactly how I responded when I heard the news. In this effort of mine to honor these two men, I don’t want to focus so much on the tragedy that is death, but on the celebration of life. This is about the impact and influence coach Ward and Aaron Leetch had on the many lives of the people they touched — and trust me when I say it was many.
Aaron Leetch was one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people I had the privilege of meeting here at Illinois State. My last conversation with him was at the golf course just a week or so ago. It was a cold, March day and the wind-chill made it almost unbearable to be out watching the tournament. I was covering it for TV-10, the student news station. I ran into him inside the clubhouse and we talked about the weather and warming up — just for a second. He knew how much it meant to those guys to have him out there and despite the conditions he toughed it out for them.
This was one of many true displays of selflessness he greeted everyone with every day. He asked me about my future and when he congratulated me on my time at Illinois State, I knew he really meant it.
When I found out about his sudden passing, I instantly remembered this conversation, and then one other. I sat at the same table as him and his wife at the Student Athlete Reggie’s Banquet. It was there that we talked about my experience as a Redbird, my plans after graduation and his family — particularly his two daughters. He had such meaning in the way he lived his life and he spoke with such passion about his family and everything ISU. From what I knew of him, I know he must have been the most incredible father and husband.
Though my encounters with Aaron were few and they didn’t last particularly long, I still knew based off these interactions the type of man he was. Strong in his faith. Kind. Genuine. Passionate. Selfless. He had a gift for developing and growing relationships in the right way, bringing out the best in people. In just a few conversations with him, I knew he played a key role in why Illinois State is such a fantastic place.
I did not truly know coach Ward. I did however, know of him quite well. I never experienced more than a few smiles and “hellos” with coach Ward. But I could tell just from those encounters that he was always friendly and kind.
It was clear he had a huge heart that he devoted to his family, both on and off the court.
What I do know about him is the positive impact he made in the lives of so many people, especially the young men that wore the Illinois State uniforms at Redbird Arena.
I know because I was in uniform in that arena too. I played under those same lights, on that same floor, in front of that same incredible crowd that is the Bloomington & Normal communities. It is because of this that I know the men’s team fairly well, and therefore know the light he shined in the lives of all those he touched.
Just by watching him coach and interact with his players, staff, and other athletic administration, it was obvious there was a certain level of respect and purpose – a level that went beyond simply basketball. He was a person that constantly made other people smile and grow. His big personality was clearly contagious. He made it more than just a player to coach relationship. It was a person-to-person relationship with him- one that meant much more than wins or losses.
I probably hadn’t spoken more than fifty words to Coach Ward in the time that I’d known him. Yet all these things I still say with the utmost confidence based on the influence he had on the lives of those around him.
College athletics presents a special opportunity to the coaches and faculty involved. The young people they interact with are vulnerable, opening a new chapter to their story that really is entirely their own to write. Their life from this point forward is under their control, in their own hands. In this new journey of independence, the presence of a positive role model as they begin to shape their own future, means more than many will ever know or understand. Coaches and administration are often times the ones to step into that role. Based on what I know and what I’ve heard, both of these incredible men left a lasting impression. They didn’t just go step by step in their careers. They leaped, jumped, soared. Both were flying as true Redbirds. And in their influential positions that impact the lives of people and players, they changed everyone. For the better. They were two of the good ones.
There are some things in life we can’t explain. I have had a few people that have impacted my life in ways far too great for words to describe. I know these two had that same influence on many players and people throughout their time here at Illinois State. That much, is crystal clear.
I know Torrey Ward and Aaron Leetch’s legacies will live on forever. Both have impacted my own life in ways I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers will forever be with their friends and families. I don’t want anyone to think for one second because the lives of these two amazing men were cut short, that they didn’t change the world during their time here- because they both did. They changed many worlds, in fact. Each person with a life touched by one or both will forever remember the passion and love they filled their lives with each and every day.
I’m not sure there are any words that could help soften this blow to our Redbird family. But there’s one thing I’m absolutely sure of. Coach Ward and Aaron are flying high forever now in Heaven, watching over their families, friends, and our community. Not only as our angels, but as Redbirds, too.
Katy Winge is a senior marketing and journalism double major, women’s basketball captain, TV-10 staff member, WZND DJ, Zeta Tau Alpha member and events and educational outreach coordinator for the Student Athlete Advisory Council. Any questions or comments regarding her column can be sent to kjwinge@ilstu.edu.
