Farewell Coach Joe Gamlin, You Will Always Be Remembered

Coach was everything YOU wanted to be.  Coach was the one I looked up to.  Now, Coach is gone. 

I got the call from my best friend letting me know of Coach's passing.  I was in shock.  No 61-year-old man was in better shape.  He was a top five ranked badminton player in his age group in the nation. 

Coach died doing just that: playing badminton. 

Admittedly, I never really appreciated my high school.  But of the few people I would go back and see, Coach was at the top of the list.  As a golf coach, but more importantly as a mentor and friend, Coach meant everything to us; not just the athletes, but EVERYONE. 

As one of the longest-serving and certainly most hard-working individuals in the entire school district, Coach will be missed dearly. 

I can't imagine what it will feel like when I walk back into that school in a month to visit the few remaining teachers whom I consider acquaintances, and he is not there.  Despite his mere 5'10" stature, the void will be very large. 

When I hit the links this summer, it will be for you, Coach.  All those hours we spent playing golf, not to mention the hours in the gym playing basketball. 

You weren't even our coach, but with your vast knowledge, you would help correct my game.  When I did not have the last two periods of the day senior year, I would head down to the gym to work on my game, and you would be there. 

You would rebound for me and give me tips, and that will be no more.

I can't even imagine life without you when I go back home. I saw you and talked to you just a matter of weeks ago.  This is truly disheartening. 

This is a tribute to you, Coach. Friend. You are the man.

We will all miss you and love you so much.  Rest in peace, Joe Gamlin.