Gronkowski Rule: Fact or Fiction?

Gronkowski Rule:  Fact or Fiction?

I enjoyed Allen Wilson’s commentary about the success of the Gronkowski boys in the NFL  A dream comes true for Gronkowski - News - The Buffalo News http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article10937.ece.  A common thread throughout the article was the competition fostered by their dad.  Wilson’s only erratum was not giving equal credit for the boy’s success to their mom, Diane; as I recall, she was also a competitive collegiate athlete.  Most importantly, Gordie and Diane deserve much credit for emphasizing a balance between academics, citizenship and athletics;  They’ve raised 5 good boys.

Our family met the Gronk Nation via Amherst Hockey House League.  Our son Zack played on several teams with Chris or Dan.  In 1992-93 both boys were on the Penguins (mini mites) with Zack.  Although the house league rolled 3 lines (A, B, and C lines), when Dan and Chris were on the ice together (A line), they were a goal scoring machine and unstoppable; even at that age, they were men amongst boys.  Following that season , the two boys were never drafted onto the same team again, much to the protests of Diane who wanted the convenience of only having to drive to one practice or game, instead of two.  Although never officially stated, the Amherst Hockey Board of Directors were alleged to have passed the “Gronkowski Rule,”  which stated, that in  order to maintain competitive balance in the house league,  only one Gronkowski  per team.  FYI, in 95-96 Zack’s team, the Kings (squirts) won Super Sunday;  thanks Dan.