By Steve Sittler Sports Correspondent
There’s a big pair of empty shoes down at NorthWood High School. They don’t belong to Skyler Titus. Or one of those large fellows on the offensive line. No, this pair of shoes is much bigger than that.  These shoes belonged to Lowell “Jake” Anglemyer, who passed away July 13 at the age of 75. There wasn’t a bigger fan of NorthWood athletics than Jake. If a game was being played, he was there.  You’ve heard the motto of the U.S. Postal Service, right? “Neither rain, nor snow, nor gloom of night…will keep us from our appointed rounds”? The Postal Service had nothing on Jake. Didn’t matter if it was raining or snowing. Didn’t matter whether the Panthers were winning or losing. Jake was always there, rooting for his beloved NorthWood teams.

Did you know Jake? Were you a friend of his? You were if you ever met him. The man did not know the meaning of the word stranger. I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who had so many friends. If everyone who was befriended by Jake had come to his funeral, they’d have had to hold it in Notre Dame Stadium. Heck, it was hard to have a conversation with Jake in a public place. He knew practically every person who passed by. Couldn’t help but give each one a wave, a hello, and a kind word or two.  And of course that smile.
Yes that fabulous smile. Did you know Jake? Have you ever known anyone who smiled as much as he did? It made you feel good just to be around him. I know all the NorthWood fans and athletes felt that way.  My family sure did.  In fact, other than his grandchildren, my sons were his favorite athletes at NorthWood.  And my wife and I were his favorite people in town. I know because he told us so all the time.  It took awhile to figure out that we had a little competition. Turns out we were just tied for first with everyone else Jake knew. He loved us all.
Like his customers at J.C. Penny.  Is that where you met Jake? I guarantee you couldn’t go into his store without buying something from him. The smile was part of it. But he just cared about everyone he met, and it was obvious. He was that kind of guy. Jake was the number one Panther fan, but he met lots of athletes from other schools at Penny’s and at Nappanee Missionary Church, and he rooted for them too. I bet every one of them thought they were Jake’s favorite player from their school. And you know what? They were right. Tied for first as always with anyone else Jake knew.
They’re going to honor Jake’s memory by planting a tree by the NorthWood football field, where he spent so many fall evenings. I’m sure it will be the best tree anywhere. That’s what Jake would say if he saw it.  Of course in reality it would be tied for first with all the other trees Jake had admired. Go stand by the tree after a game on Friday night. Doesn’t matter if the Panthers win or lose. Smile at someone, or offer an encouraging word. That’s what Jake would do. He’ll be watching, of course. Just from a little higher up than before. Remember that smile. Pass it on.