This is an article that I have put off writing. Really, there is not a good reason. I guess there is a small part of me that thought, maybe if I didn’t write about it, then maybe it wouldn’t happen or perhaps he would change his mind.
Sometime in the next few weeks, Chris Funk will coach his last game as the leader of the Reeds Spring baseball program. This winter, Funk made the decision to step down, as head baseball coach, effective the end of this season. He will remain a teacher in the district.
Coach Funk knew I would hear about it quickly. Being on the Board of Education, his resignation would show up in board business. However, he wanted to make sure I heard from him instead of my board packet, and he called me. That is how Chris is. Over the years I have broadcast countless Wolves baseball games.. And there has not been one single time that Coach Funk did not come up to me and thank me for being there. That is not necessary but that is Chris Funk.
Coaches around the area have the upmost respect for Coach Funk. “You always know that a Funk coached team is going to do things right” said one coach. Another, “I have received some recognition over the years, and I have been blessed, but I tell you truly, if Chris Funk had the constant influx of talent that I have had, there is no telling what all he could do.”
Josh Cherry, a former player, said ” Coach Funk was always intense and in tune with the game, no matter the score. He was able to connect with his players on a personal level and impact their lives off the field as much as on it.”
Anyone that has heard me speak knows that I love to win, but more than that I love to see growth in our students. To me, one of the most important things a coach can do is help our students become better citizens off the field. If they can help them become better husbands and fathers in the future. its hard to think of a much more crucial task. Chris Funk has done that for the last 18 years.
There are a lot of memories of Coach Funk led teams at Reeds Spring. One of my favorites is actually a game they lost. District Championship game at Mt Vernon. It was an extra inning thriller that had twist and turns though out the afternoon and into the evening. It capped off a very emotional week in which the Wolves had lost one of their own. But, as much as anytime it showed the Pack coming together as one. It showed an important leader in front of it all.
The Program is going to be fine. We are lucky to have Jason Reinsch coming in to take over. He will do a great job and I do look forward to working with him. And, its not like Coach Funk is going anywhere, he will still be a Wolf. But, things will no doubt be different. There is only ONE Chris Funk, and I will miss seeing that dude in the dugout.
To Amanda, Macie, and Tate: Thanks for sharing him with us.
