MELVIN LABAT

I am sorry to hear of Mels passing. He was my football coach at Williamsburg Jr High. He had such a great and encouraging spirit yet required decipline and a quality of effort. I think of him often. I am 71 now and my kids know of him. I broke my nose during my first day of football practice and what I remember was Coach Labatt yelling at me saying that I was getting blood everywhere. My father had just gotten there and the two of them were amused that I did not want to stop practicing. He...

We continue to miss Coach. And now, we have an additional thank you as we believe it was his angelic intervention for Megans safety at Mardi Gras two years ago - not long after his passing. We love you Coach! The Sullivan family

Coach Labat was very special to our family. Both my sons have taken lessons at the Y Tennis for years. Coach later hired them to teach younger kids, and became their first boss. He taught them so much beyond tennis. What a great man! He showed kids how to play and how to work. Thank you for sharing him. We will miss him, and will always remember him fondly.

Mel was always generous to his community.

He shared many words of wisdom to his tennis "kids" and showed what it means to be a great Coach and strong man.

Long before he was named Coach of the Year at the US Open, he was a Hero to many at Yorktown HS, around Arlington/Washington DC and to each of the lives he touched.

Thank you for your life of service to others, and your gift of tennis to so many who would otherwise not have experienced the joys of sport. RIP Mel - you...

With deepest sympathy. Steve and Anni Spinks

Thank you coach for taking the time to show my son a new love in his life,tennis.

The Smith family is so sad to learn of Coach Mel's passing. He was such a kind and caring person and he will be greatly missed.

It was an honor to play for and assist in coaching with Coach Labat. My Dad and him developed a great bond and relationship in my middle school days that lasted a lifetime. Sean, Angie and I are forever grateful for his life lessons on and off the basketball and tennis courts. Love You Coach! RIP and say hello to my Dad because I'm sure he can't wait to see you again!

To a Loving Husband, Father, Coach and Friend. You helped shape me in to the man I am today. Coach, you always inspired me to strive for greatness in sports and most importantly of all in the game of life. Now it is time for you to rest as all of us can truly say job well done!

To the family, we will always keep you in our prayers and blessings. God bless you and your family as go through this difficult time.

From Sean, Maya, Malina and Asha Goodwin