This time, the term 'legend' is accurate

Legend is the most over-used synonym in most sports writers’ vernacular.
A “legendary” performance, or a prep “legend” can just about be found on a daily basis in a newspaper feature, blog or Internet report.
I’ve been guilty of it myself, although I’ve tried to use some restraint and save the term for someone like George Brett, Len Dawson, Tony DiPardo or Bud Lathrop.
I’m using the term today, and using it with great pride as I say goodbye to legendary Oak Grove wrestling coach Bob Glasgow, who announced his retirement from coaching at the Panthers wrestling banquet this past Sunday.
Although I don’t cover a lot of wrestling, I have gotten to know Glasgow through my daily Sonic Locker Room radio show, where I spend a half hour each week with students and coaches from the schools in The Examiner’s coverage area (6 to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday on KCWJ 1030 AM).
Glasgow is one of the area activities directors who understands the importance of a hometown newspaper like The Examiner and a radio program like the Sonic Locker Room.
Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m., he brings Oak Grove boy or girl athletes to his office who are bright, articulate and who enjoy visiting about their respective sport.
However, my personal highlight each week is visiting with the man himself. He’s one of those rare individuals who can talk about any subject with style, grace and enthusiasm.
When you talk to Bob Glasgow, you have to keep track of the time because a 12-minute segment seemingly ends in seconds, rather than minutes.
He reminds me of a guy like Bill Murray, the legendary (there’s that word again) “Saturday Night Live” alum and Academy Award-nominated actor who makes every guest appearance on David Letterman more memorable than the last.
The guy’s a superstar, yet he still brings it.
That’s how Glasgow is on the radio program. He’s stand-up comic funny, insightful and bleeds Panther black and orange every program.
It’s that type of passion that has helped him win 12 state championships, finish in the top two at state 14 years in a row and produce an incredible 67 individual state champions.
Like Lathrop, who has the most high school basketball wins in the history of the state while coaching at Raytown South High School, Glasgow always deflects the spotlight from his brilliance to the hard work and grit of his wrestlers.
He told me one time, “I’ve never pinned an opponent or done anything to win a match. It’s the guys who go out and get it done. They deserve all the credit.”
It’s the guys who get it done, but they have been fortunate to have learned from the best.
There aren’t many legends left in the area’s prep ranks, and it’s sad to say goodbye to one of the best.
Glasgow is also stepping down as the Panthers golf coach, but he will remain in the saddle as the school’s activities director. And boy, is that ever good news for the Sonic Locker Room and this paper.
I’ve told him he’s in the wrong business. If he ever wants to host his own radio show, he’d be a natural.
And who knows, one day, he might even be a legend – in another profession.