 For the past 25 years I have been coaching high school basketball. I started out as an Assistant Junior Varsity Coach and then became an Assistant Varsity Coach. From there I went on to coach my own team starting at the freshman level, working up to JV and then the last 13 years was a Varsity coach. When I look back at it, I have been coaching for over half of my life; however, this has come to an end. A couple weeks ago I told my High School basketball team and their parents that this was my last year of coaching. It is still a little hard to comprehend because I have been doing it for so long. I am going to miss it tremendously, but as my responsibilities as an administrator continue to grow it has reached the time to hang up the clipboard.  I think there are some things that we count on to never change. Before I coached I played college basketball for four years, before that, high school and before that grade school basketball. I have been part of a team for the last 37 years. The last time I wasn’t part of a team I was nine years old. For me there was the constant that as October turned to November basketball practice would begin and we would start a new season. That will no longer be the case. I am uncomfortable with the change and know there will be times I won’t like it. There is one thing we can count on that never changes. Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Even the things in our lives that we think will never end, or we try to hold on to, will eventually come to an end. But Jesus will always be the same. He will love us the same, He will forgive us the same, He will celebrate the good and comfort us in the hard times. When the calendar turns to winter next year there will be times I wish I was still coaching and that it didn’t have to change. But I also rest assured in knowing that Jesus is the same for me whether I am coaching or not and He truly will never change.
11 Comments
Madeline
4/4/2018 05:51:03 am
I loved it!Thanks for sharing Bob!
Bob Koehne
4/4/2018 06:42:43 pm
Thanks!
Dr. H. Brockberg
4/4/2018 07:57:48 am
A great Christian message for all the dedicated Lutheran teachers who need to make tough decisions for their lives.!!!..we retired to Mn. After 34 years of coaching, et al at CURF.. in '90... so H. Could enjoy 7 acres of tilling the soil, being a farmer once again, growing our own vegs/ flowers, , enjoying fishing and all the Lake Country provided for us and our families.....especially families who enjoyed the summers!! It became increasingly aware to us that since most of our children were Luth school teachers, far away from Mn.....that we were alone mostly in a big house, with lots of yard work, etc to care for..harder to put out the boat, etc,,too big gardens, etc...so, after 27 years there, in spring we decided to sell our big home, cottage, barn et al..... & move to be near some of our family, at our ages of 89 & 83... hence the move to Grafton, Wi..where 2 daughters are close by...God brought us to this time and Place, incidentally, called Providence Place..where we can still serve Him..right next to the Lutheran church / school..which are dear to our hearts and our commitment to His cause & to continue to trust in His "divine providenc"......We thank God for YOU and your service to His kingdom by the years of dedication put forth in teaching Christian principles to our teens....so many are struggling each day in this world of evil as Satan tries to pull them away from their faith in Christ....it is a real challenge today ..you have made a DIFFERENCE, as have all teachers, in the lives of students who love you and appreciate all you are as a Christian.. we also know what a fine Christian wife you have !!!.... With the Walther & R.F connections we know her family so well........we love Mia 's christian CD's of her faith..........we wish you God's continued blessings as you continue to serve Him, albeit not in the high school setting, ...as He continues to direct your lives in the future years.... with sincere understanding and faith in your decision.... the Brockberg's of Providence Place, Grafton, Wi
Bob Koehne
4/4/2018 06:50:10 pm
Thanks! You sure have had a full life of service. Blessings as you continue. Bob K
Dr. Harry Brockberg
4/4/2018 08:12:18 am
We realize that you are giving up.coaching, which we know is " stressful" but at the same time fulfilling.....I know what that is like ...with coaching football, track, dean of men at RF, dorm counselor, athletic director and even assistant basketball coach at my early years in RF.!!!.....however, are you still going to be administrator of the Lutheran H.S.??...Blessings each day as the Lord provides!... Dr. B....
Bob Koehne
4/4/2018 06:49:02 pm
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, I will continue on as Principal. Blessings - Bob Koehne
Deb Sommers
4/4/2018 11:19:34 am
Hey Bob.... Deb here from Pittsburgh. Friend if Mia’s. Wow, this is the very first blog of yours I have ever read... (doing so because I seen it on Mias Facebook). It is Gods confirmation in my own life of changes which I just started 3 hours ago! Selling my largest embroidery machine, as a step of faith that eventually... sooner than later is my prayer, I will sell my entire business. After 18 years of owning it, even tho I feel a little sad selling it, I am also excited about what God will direct me to do with extra “free time” to better serve Him. God bless you as you move on to the next chapter.
Bob Koehne
4/4/2018 06:51:59 pm
I pray God is with you as you transition and journey. Thank for being such a great friend to Mia! - Bob K Leave a Reply. |
AuthorBob Koehne, husband to Mia, is an educator, coach, mentor and administrator with a love for Jesus and a passion to see lives impacted for Christ through Christian education. These are just some of his writings. 
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