Dang. I hadn't expected to tear up on Easter morning, but I cannot imagine the tears of the families and friends of Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones and the other women in that van. Driving two tons of potential disaster ought not be allowed by those impaired, either by alcohol or phones, but our society seems unable to seriously address the problem.
I had the luxury of knowing Jami from coaching my grandaughter in softball as a young girl starting. Jami was very positive approach to coaching , no negativity was allowed by players or parents ( or even grandparents) . Jami was also a great person and an awesome mom. She raised a daughter to play volleyball and softball and she became very talented.
In this day and time of some selfish athletes Jami did a beautiful job of teaching life experiences. I know she will be upstairs watching over all of her students and family and if they follow her coaching and teaching those pupils will be very successful.
Please keep smiling upon us Jamie ,and god bless you.
Damn, that was an amazing tribute that brought tears to my eyes. I met Jami briefly a few weeks ago when Centralia College played them on a high school field in Springfield (my daughter Shelby is an assistant coach for Centralia and my daughter Megan also knew Jami through the softball community). She was very friendly and said nice to meet you, give me a hug cuz I’m a hugger. We all chatted and hugged again when we were saying “hope to see you again.” I felt very much accepted by her and felt a vibe you don’t usually get upon a first meeting. She will be greatly missed in the softball community. My heart also goes out to the players and families ♥️🥎
I just saw the news and looked up the coach and player this morning. Heartbreaking, but they also lived lives that impacted others.
Another thought - we lost a niece to a drunk driver. That part hits home to me. No answers on this, but laws and treatment don't seem to deter or work.
Seems like a society that can put someone on the moon can create vehicles that could not be driven by impaired individuals. Of course we can--it's just "too expensive."
Wouldn't it be wonderful if UCC could build a really nice softball field on their campus and dedicate it to this year's team, and especially to the two killed in the crash.
I worked broadcasts at Western Oregon when Jami Prinz was on staff several years back. She moves on to take over her high school team south of Eugene before Umpqua CC came calling. Coach Prinz was a woman full of enthusiasm and affection and we talked on and off over several years.
Word about the accident came out late Friday/early Saturday. It wasn’t until hours later that word of the deaths were shared. It hit me harder than anticipated. Jami’s enthusiasm had that impact. She was a softball addict of sorts, and if your kids played the game (three daughters) you could have quite the chat. She will be missed.!
Strong punishments as a deterrence has thousands of years of proven results. It’s only the last 50 where we’ve decided that we would rather understand and empathize and give chance after chance after chance to lawbreakers. The results seem pretty clear to me
Very grateful for you taking the time on Easter morning to post this, John.
This tragic loss hurts us all for so many reasons. It is also infuriating. Innocent valuable lives lost and so many others hurt by the repeated thoughtlessness and stupidity of another human.
I think the take home should be "never put off until tomorrow, what can be done today", especially when it comes to relationships. God has not promised us tomorrow. Love people well today.
I have no words. Only tears
Well done on a story none of wish to read or write
My thoughts exactly.
Powerful reminder of what matters. And a timely one on this Easter day. Thank you, John.
Thanks.
Dang. I hadn't expected to tear up on Easter morning, but I cannot imagine the tears of the families and friends of Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones and the other women in that van. Driving two tons of potential disaster ought not be allowed by those impaired, either by alcohol or phones, but our society seems unable to seriously address the problem.
So the tears will continue. Dang.
I had the luxury of knowing Jami from coaching my grandaughter in softball as a young girl starting. Jami was very positive approach to coaching , no negativity was allowed by players or parents ( or even grandparents) . Jami was also a great person and an awesome mom. She raised a daughter to play volleyball and softball and she became very talented.
In this day and time of some selfish athletes Jami did a beautiful job of teaching life experiences. I know she will be upstairs watching over all of her students and family and if they follow her coaching and teaching those pupils will be very successful.
Please keep smiling upon us Jamie ,and god bless you.
It just feels like whatever one can do at times like this is so insignificant. But your article moves the needle. Thanks John.
Damn, that was an amazing tribute that brought tears to my eyes. I met Jami briefly a few weeks ago when Centralia College played them on a high school field in Springfield (my daughter Shelby is an assistant coach for Centralia and my daughter Megan also knew Jami through the softball community). She was very friendly and said nice to meet you, give me a hug cuz I’m a hugger. We all chatted and hugged again when we were saying “hope to see you again.” I felt very much accepted by her and felt a vibe you don’t usually get upon a first meeting. She will be greatly missed in the softball community. My heart also goes out to the players and families ♥️🥎
I just saw the news and looked up the coach and player this morning. Heartbreaking, but they also lived lives that impacted others.
Another thought - we lost a niece to a drunk driver. That part hits home to me. No answers on this, but laws and treatment don't seem to deter or work.
Anyways, thanks for this memorial post.
Seems like a society that can put someone on the moon can create vehicles that could not be driven by impaired individuals. Of course we can--it's just "too expensive."
Wouldn't it be wonderful if UCC could build a really nice softball field on their campus and dedicate it to this year's team, and especially to the two killed in the crash.
It’s how we live, not how we die, that matters.
I worked broadcasts at Western Oregon when Jami Prinz was on staff several years back. She moves on to take over her high school team south of Eugene before Umpqua CC came calling. Coach Prinz was a woman full of enthusiasm and affection and we talked on and off over several years.
Word about the accident came out late Friday/early Saturday. It wasn’t until hours later that word of the deaths were shared. It hit me harder than anticipated. Jami’s enthusiasm had that impact. She was a softball addict of sorts, and if your kids played the game (three daughters) you could have quite the chat. She will be missed.!
““Impaired driving is considered a primary cause of the crash,” read the police report”
When I am king, if you are found guilty of DUI, you lose your privilege to drive FOREVER
FOREVER
That won’t stop them, they don’t care
It could lessen both initial and repeat offenses
Strong punishments as a deterrence has thousands of years of proven results. It’s only the last 50 where we’ve decided that we would rather understand and empathize and give chance after chance after chance to lawbreakers. The results seem pretty clear to me
Yep. Only when the fear of the punishment exceeds the "thrill" of the crime, will it have any true deterrence.
Very grateful for you taking the time on Easter morning to post this, John.
This tragic loss hurts us all for so many reasons. It is also infuriating. Innocent valuable lives lost and so many others hurt by the repeated thoughtlessness and stupidity of another human.
Every day is a gift to be treasured.
Those folks will need help, if you come across a donation site - please post.
Donations can be made on a GoFundMe site for Umpqua CC Softball team. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ucc-athletics-after-tragic-loss
Thank you.
Thank you for writing this. Incredible people and so many lives impacted forever. And a reminder to never take those around us for granted.
I think the take home should be "never put off until tomorrow, what can be done today", especially when it comes to relationships. God has not promised us tomorrow. Love people well today.
My heart aches that you had to write this. Such a senseless tragedy.