Sportswriting fraternity loses brother
There was sad news out of Ocala today, where longtime Ocala Star-Banner high school sportswriter Vince Murray passed away after a lengthy illness. A St. Pete High graduate, Vince was 56. He had worked with the Star-Banner since 1979. During his time there, he wrote about every great athlete the area produced, from NFL quarterback Daunte Culpepper to NBA guard Travis Mays.
More than anything, Vince loved basketball. He was a tireless promoter of the sport, was one of the first in Florida to compile recruiting lists and helped create the Diamondback Challenge, arguably the state's premier one-day basketball showcase. Thanks to his efforts, dozens of high school athletes earned college scholarships. "Wherever there was a big game, Vince was there," Tampa Prep coach Joe Fenlon said. "I'd get something in the mail from him just about every month. He wanted to know where my kids were going, who was hot, who was not. He was at the pulse of high school basketball."
Several years ago, Vince was severely hurt in a car accident. He spent much of his time after that confined to a wheelchair, but he never lost his passion for high school sports. The people he wrote about -- usually teenage athletes -- always came first. To those of us who knew Vince, he will be missed terribly.
A story about Vince's life can be found HERE.
--KEITH NIEBUHR
The St. Petersburg Times High School Sports blog is written and compiled by the Times preps sports staff from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. We invite your participation in the comments area.
Well put, Keith. He was a good one. Thanks for writing this. --- Brian
Posted by: Brian McLaughlin, Daytona Beach | April 01, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Some of us remember Vince from his days as a sports correspondent at the old St. Petersburg Evening Independent. I drove Vince up to Ocala for his job interview at the Star-Banner. I had been sports editor there before coming to St. Pete and I knew the lay of the land. My only advice to him at the time: write an occasional story about the thoroughbred horse racing industry, and you'll be fine. He made a career out of it. Vince will be missed.
Posted by: Jim Smith | April 01, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I am Jimmie sues son @ Vinces step son. Our family is most appreciative for everyones support.It is a great comfort to us knowing how Vince has touched so many differnt peoples lives. As you may know there will be no funeral services per Vinces request.He wanted to have a party where we could all remember him the way he was,funny,quick with just the right comeback,but most of all his compassion towards others.My life has been so enriched by him.Iam so glad my children had him in their lives.My mother will try @ let everyone know when Vinces celebration of life [party} will be.Remember Vince loved you all
JAMIE
Posted by: jamie smith | April 01, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Thanks for posting Jamie. Vince already is missed by a lot of us. He wasn't just a mentor to me, he was friend.
Posted by: Keith Niebuhr | April 01, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Keith
Thanks for the nice comments about Vince. We have scheduled a Celebration of Life for Vince on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 1908 SE Ft. King St., Ocala. We'd love to have you and anyone else who knew him. You can reach me at 352-239-1547
Jimmie Sue
Posted by: | April 04, 2008 at 06:52 PM