As a teenager growing up in Torrington, you knew Tim Hurst. Timmy, as we called him, was always there, always supporting whatever event we were partaking in, and he was always a positive influence around us. The nickname came long before our time and stuck because he was one of us, a fellow Blazer. 

During my senior season, Adidas were the go-to shoe for basketball, after they had signed Kobe Bryant to a contract. So inevitably, I was one who had to get ‘the’ shoes. Shoes were expensive back then, not quite what they are now, but still pricey for an 18-year-old kid, and Timmy made it happen. He didn’t hesitate, ordered the shoes and told me to get even with him when I could. 

That was Tim Hurst. 

While our basketball seasons never ended with us rewarding Timmy with a trip to the state tournament, he never wavered in his support for us. He treated us like rock stars, and you’d never know if we were 1-15 or 15-1. I was fortunate enough to see some success on the basketball floor in high school, and despite receiving several accolades, seeing Tim’s big smile and how proud he was of me is what I remember the most. 

Among the many memories I will take with me, seeing Timmy’s face light up as he announced the Wyoming State Legion Baseball championship game in Evanston in July 1998 is what I’ll remember most. It would be our first ‘AA’ title in Torrington history, and Tim made the trip just to announce our game for the parents and fans in Torrington. To my recollection, Tim hardly did any games outside of basketball, so we felt a great sense of pride having him alongside us. As luck would have it, we ended up winning a state title that day, and Tim was just as much a part of it as we were. 

When I began my newspaper career as a sportswriter, it was Tim I looked to. Any time I had questions, ideas, or just needed someone to talk sports with, it was Tim. I will regret not telling him how grateful I was for his guidance and support more often. Timmy, I would not be where I am today without you. 

I am saddened future Blazers will not get to know Tim. I was looking forward to him calling my kids’ games and for them to truly get to know who he was. I will take with me the fact that I got to listen to you call your final games as I sat right below you this past weekend. 

You set an example all Blazers strive to follow. Thank you for your friendship, your guidance, your sense of humor, your passion for the area youth and mostly for just being you. 

Timmy, you will be missed. Rest easy my friend. Go Blazers! RockChalkJayhawk!