More kind words on Mike Lockert

The blog posting we had a couple of days ago (linked here) on the passing of Notre Dame hockey radio play-by-play man and Southern California native Mike Lockert at 43 was reworked in today's newspaper issue.

More of those who knew him emailed:

==Lou Riggs, well-known broadcast instructor:

"Mike was one of favorite people. He was in a sports broadcasting group that was probably the best group I ever had in a single class (although we continued on in many other projects over the years) at Santa Monica College. We kept frequent contact via email or phone calls, so his death was a major shock to anyone who knew him. He was in a group that continued to be quite successful including Danny Potash (Fox Sports Pittsburgh anchor/Penguins reporter), Eric Burak (director of marketing for FSN/Prime), Louise Cornetta (executive level with ESPN radio and free lance writer for ESPN The Magazine), Arnie Spanier, and many others. Mike was truly a man with a goal in life and he lived out his dream to the fullest. I know that anyone who knew Mike thought the absolute world about him. We're really going to miss his wonderful personality and talent."

==Doug Mann, top sports statistician:

"I happened to know him and what is comforting to me, is reading the various stories on how much he was loved at ND. By those he worked with AND by those who listened to his broadcasts.
"It was a long struggle for him to get a real 'break' in this business, and it is heart-breaking not only that he died too soon, but, that he did not get a chance to move up to the NHL. But, I know he was happy--he was doing what he had started out wanting to do.
"I was there at the Kings game in December, which Bob Miller referenced. Mike came into our booth, his usual gregarious self; full of excitement, glad to see old friends, and looking forward to going to the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
"It is so re-assuring to know that he did in fact 'make it', judging by the reaction that his death has been generating. A tribute on the back of players helmets, glowing words from the ND coach and Bob Miller, as well as the average ND fan; Mike Lockert DID achieve success after so many years of chasing that dream."