Congratulations to the Bob Emig Foundation, inspiring young athletes, transforming lives. On Oct. 4 there was a Bob Emig Memorial Celebration, celebrating leaders in youth sports. This event was held at Horizontal Harry's in St. Louis.

The deceased, Bob Emig, was a sports reporter at the Metro East Journal in East St. Louis from 1966 until it closed in 1979. Emig was the director of competition of the Prairie State Games from 1994 to 2001. In 2001 Emig was named to the IHSA Hall of Fame for his media contributions. Emig coached youth baseball, basketball and soccer.

The welcome was given by Camille Emig-Hill, Emig's wife and chairman of the Bob Emig Foundation. Camille's son, Aaron Emig, gave a review of the foundation. Belleville great Joe Wiley was the master of ceremonies. Wiley was a former Belleville West and St. Louis University basketball star. Joe is in many Hall of Fames. Joe was recently selected in the list of "100 athletes who shaped St. Louis sports."

My brother, Russell Krause, directors Norman Miller, chaperones, eight R.J. Krause All-Stars, and I, had a great time.

Brett Swip, Charles "C.J." Jones, Juergen Huettner, Craig Virgin and I received awards. I received the Cathy Hill Volunteer Award. She was a super-volunteer who died in 2002. I received the award for helping the young people from East St. Louis for almost 50 years. Thank you.

Richard "R.J." Krause

East St. Louis