Decorah HS athlete wins national honor

Decorah High School athlete Maynard Newhouse has been given one of this year's "National High School Spirit of Sport Award" from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).  The award recognizes individuals who exemplify the ideals of sport.

Newhouse, who is a junior and has a 3.95 grade-point average, plans to major in engineering in college.  He is also a three-year varsity golfer, and it is through that game that he has made an indelible impact on another individual's life.

Last spring, Newhouse was approached by the daughter of 94-year-old Willard Linnevold, a longtime Decorah golf enthusiast who was faced with giving up his club membership and the game because of his failing eyesight.

The family knew of Newhouse because of his high school success and the fact that his mother cleans Linnevold's home. Faced with dropping a game Linnevold loved, the family approached Newhouse to become his playing partner. The passion each has for the game bridged the 78-year difference in their ages.

Now, Newhouse and Linnevold play at least twice a week. Newhouse noted that while he helps Linnevold with club selection and following and locating the ball, Linnevold helps Newhouse with tips for his game and some finer aspects of golf etiquette.

When asked why he would help someone 78 years his senior, Newhouse responded simply, "It's the right thing to do," and added "I hope I can still golf when I'm 94."

Newhouse has been recognized as a regional winner of the award.  The national winner will be named June 29th at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Philadelphia.  Newhouse will receive his regional award before the end of the current school year.