Hey all --

Some of you know Henry Callahan, one of Frisbee's early role models and a
guy who helped the Eugene scene take root. He was killed in 1982; his
murderer is up for parole, on a life sentence. If you want to "sign" in
support of the following letter, send me an e-mail and I'll add your name.
It goes out Wednesday, latest.

thanks,

Matt Cooper
mcooper@...



Nov. 8, 2005

To whom it may concern:

We in the Eugene and University of Oregon Ultimate Frisbee community felt
compelled to write the Colorado Parole Board in support of the legacy and
family of Henry Callahan, and in support of their request that the parole of
his convicted murderer, Robert Weighard, be denied and deferred until a
later date. In the 1970s, Henry formed two Ultimate teams that still exist
in Eugene today -- the University of Oregon men's team and Darkstar, the
Eugene men's club team. Most of us never knew Henry, but his name is
well-known and, more importantly, the way he lived and played the game is an
ideal that we continue to embrace.

Ultimate Frisbee, although outside the mainstream of sport, is a way of life
for many people who play it. One unique aspect is a concept called "spirit
of the game," which is easy to describe but challenging to uphold: Play to
win, but not at the cost of fair play and respect for your opponent,
teammates and, ultimately, yourself.

For many of us who learned the game in Eugene and those who continue to play
here today, Henry Callahan was the foundation for "spirit of the game." An
accomplished athlete who excelled wherever he played, Henry was committed to
the simple idea of fair play and respect. To this day, we strive to meet
Henry's standard for playing -- and living -- with this spirit.

Sincerely,

Jared Weybright
Matt Cooper
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