Sports is filled with heroes: the star athlete who caught the winning touchdown pass or the power forward who scored the winning basket for a basketball championship. Often that’s how the sports world labels heroes. Blue Valley Recreation is honoring one of its heroes – Beryl F. Carlew – at the Memorial Weekend Tournament May 28-31 held at the Recreation Complex. A father and husband who loved sports and kids, Carlew enriched the lives of local kids and parents for more than 18 years as a volunteer youth basketball, baseball and softball coach.
On December 31, 2008, Carlew lost his battle with brain cancer, but not before teaching one final lesson to friends, family and former players – the importance of staying positive. They were moved by Carlew’s unfailing positive attitude throughout his illness. Every New Year’s Eve, they reflect that there are as many people toasting Coach Carlew as there are toasting Beryl.Carlew began his volunteer work by coaching his own kids, Greg and Sarah, in every sport imaginable. He continued to coach Blue Valley Rec teams even after his kids were in high school. As a testament to the type of coach Carlew was, neighbors, friends and other coaches pleaded with him to continue coaching. His success relied on one simple coaching philosophy: first, teach fundamentals; second, make sure the kids have fun while being competitive and focused.
His popularity was obvious and kids took to him instantly. Practices were filled with lessons disguised as fun: he tied candy to the bottom of basketball nets to encourage players to jump higher and gave nicknames that made players feel special.
“Beryl was an extraordinary mentor who led by example,” remembered close friend Daren Fristoe.” “He knew how to treat others with sincerity, wit and a touch of charm. Those who knew Beryl liked him learned from him and remembered him.”
Kids weren’t the only ones who learned valuable life lessons from Carlew. Parents were taught how to be good fans by helping with practice and assisting on game day with one rule: they were not permitted to coach from the stands. Carlew made it clear that parents were to cheer for the team, not tell kids what to do or question officials.
“Anytime you were with Beryl, your life was better,” said friend and business partner Jeff Hendler. “He was always teaching, you just never realized it.”
Carlew’s wife of 12 years, Vicki, best sums up the affection for her husband. “He truly cared about everyone around him,” she said. “Whomever he was talking to or coaching, they were the most important person in the world to him at that moment. We were all lucky to have been coached by Beryl Carlew.”