Hall of Famer Lust thanks supporters

Former Newton star athlete Larry Lust, who helped lead the Newton Senior High School basketball team to state championships in 1963 and 1964, was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Basketball Hall of Fame on March 10. Recently, he wanted to thank those who helped him along the way for their support, and the Newton Daily News was happy to deliver his message.

Lust writes:

To the city of Newton and whom it may concern,

There have been many wonderful things that have happened to me during my lifetime. At this time I feel there is something I need to do.

I received a wonderful, humbling honor when I was inducted to the Iowa Boys State Basketball Hall of Fame in March. But through all of this, there was something missing. Two words. Two very, very big words — THANK YOU.

We had made it all the way from Little League, up through high school football, basketball, track and baseball. In Little League, we had uniforms, caps, equipment, bats and balls and facilities — everything we needed. It takes money for all this. How did we have it made? We had it made because of support. The support from families, residents, businesses, companies ... all that supported us deserves a big thank you.

Also, all the friends, students, classmates, teachers and workers deserve my thanks. To everyone that had a positive effect on me and touched my life, I appreciate it.

Thank you to all the veterans and those serving us now for making and having made the United States of America the safest and greatest country in the whole world.

At the induction ceremony, I wanted to have mentioned some of my teammates. I was told no, for if they did it for me, they’d have to do it for everyone. With the time constraints, it couldn’t be done. Well, if the Newton Daily News allows it, better yet. The following is a list of all my high school basketball teammates:

Gary Simpson, Dennis Williams, Dick Burdick, Fred George, Gary Williams, Tom Rader, Roger Bradley, Scott Power, Tom Altemeir, Sonny Johnson, Jim Sweet, Dave Lister, Willis Rozenberg, Dave Bennett, Roger Sparks, Dave Warrick, Dennis Schathorst, Gary Northrup, Fred Dimon, Jim Hale, Ed Bunn, Bob Loar, Tom Ross, Jim Smith, Dan Markman, Steve Jones, Gary Purtilo, Randy Mills, Dave Wicket, Bob Maham, Dave Schathorst, Dave Nicol, Jerry Trease.

I have had many exciting moments. At times I still get the shivers, tingles and glows when thinking about them.

Without all the support and loyalty of everyone, this honor I was fortunate to receive never would have happened.

I’d also like to express my appreciation for the encouragement I got from Julie Smith, Deb Johnson and Connie Wright to seek induction.

Thank you to my sister, Mary Ann Thompson, who is in heaven. Thank you to Bob Lust, who has joined her in heaven. Thank you to Bob and Patty Lust, Buzz Levick and Norm Stewart for their letters of recommendation.

My life, well, it’s been one heck of a ride. I’ve truly been blessed.

Thanks again, one and all.

Thank you, Newton.

Thanks for the memories.

Larry Lust