Yesterday the Anoka Wrestling community lost its true" Super Fan"
October 13, 2009
For as long as I can remember coaching and as a wrestler at Anoka,
Terri Phillips was involved in making Anoka Wrestling a part of his
life.
He had lived an amazing life and believed that wrestling was the "glue" in a young man's life that everyone needed to have.
He battled cancer for many years but never missed a home dual meet or
the opportunity to pass the evening away by watching a good practice in
the wrestling room he loved.
As a coach I only had one guarantee come match night, that Terri would show up early and leave late.
Terri watched several of his son's come through the program, nine kids
in all. Some of his son's won tournaments, one a state championship in
1989 and others just participated. But one thing that all of his
wrestling son's had was class, humility, and a hard work ethic. I joked
with Terri one day about what a great family he had and he just looked
at me as he always did and just smiled and stated that my wife sure did
a good job.
So many memories about Terri bring a smile to my face. He was the
wrestling parent that trusted the coaching staff, supported from the
stands, and never said a bad word about anyone in the wrestling
community.
I last talked to Terri at the bank last month. He seemed to be moving a
bit slower and was still on oxygen. He was finished and walking out the
door when I was coming in and he smiled as he always did and said how
are those kids, and I can't wait to see that little fireball of your's
wrestle this year. Terri and I talked about life and his favorite
subject wrestling for a long time.
There was one thing about Terri that everyone knew, he cared about you
and others. Terri always seemed to be in the know because he never went
away.
Terri once said that Anoka wrestling is and will forever be a part of our FAMILY.
I will miss the first day of practice without Terri's smiling face
looking at all the new faces in the wrestling room. This is not a time
for us to grieve his death but it's our time to celebrate his life.
I will never forget Terri and his upbeat personality and positive
attitude as I raise my little wrestler to have the same assets that the
Phillips boys possessed while attending Anoka.
Terri was well-loved and has done so many things for Anoka wrestling and I'm sure he'll do much more in heaven.
The Anoka wrestling community will forever be grateful for his contributions and his wonderful family.
Thanks for all the cherished memories Terri. You will forever live in our hearts and be with the wrestling team you loved!
- Coach Springer
Terri Phillips Wake:
Thursday, October 15th at Thurston's in Anoka
5-8 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm
Funeral at St. Stephen's on Friday, October 16th
11am Funeral
Lunch to follow
