It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of former Landrum High School student, coach, and teacher Steve Coley from his bout with Cancer. Coach Coley was 71 years old. Coach Coley led the baseball program to the first State Championship in school history in 1975 and his 377 wins are good for 18th on the all time list in SCHSL Baseball History. Coach Coley not only coached baseball at Landrum but also had stints as the football and basketball coach. Coach Coley should be known as the architect of the Landrum athletic program as he was also a longtime Athletic Director and helped Landrum to be recognized in 1995 as having the only 1A program to be able to field a team in all sports. Most importantly Coach Coley was known as a great man, leader, teacher, mentor to everyone in the Landrum community not only on the field but off the field as well. Myself only starting in 2005 never got to work directly with Coach Coley. I only got to hear the stories from his buddy Chris Linder and from those who knew him. Every few years Coach Coley would come to a game and have everyone that knew him laughing. In the middle of the fun however you could tell he still passionately loved the game and coaching. Two of the short stories Id like to share come from hearing Chris Linder who was probably there for most of all if not all of Coleys games. The infamous story of Coley drying up wet infields by pouring out gasoline and setting the infield dirt on fire. The first time he did it someone from the elementary school saw it and freaked out and the fire department showed up! The other being Coley and Linder firing up Cigars after victories. I cant tell you how many times i heard from Linder about going out and having the Victory cigar. Chris thought of Coley as another father and i can imagine he is sad too tonight. The last thing i want to share comes from Stacey Glovers Facebook and i hope he doesnt mind me sharing it here so here it goes: ----------------------------------------------------------- Wow! On the eve of a new year and hours from bidding farewell to 2014; WE too, must say so long to one of the greatest coaches and educators in the World: COACH STEVE COLEY! An amazing man whos name is synonymous with BASEBALL and had a unique way of expounding Biology in the classroom. Hands down, the best Athletic Director to ever supervise sports. Indeed, there are not enough words to express the impact his life and career made on the Landrum, surrounding communities and the World. His leadership spanned 30+ years at good ole LANDRUM HIGH and continued after retirement in Rutherfordton County, NC. As his student in 9th grade Biology, I often stood amazed how much he knew about me upon our initial meet and greet. He quickly let me know that he knew my Mom who worked in Accounting at the District Office. Hmm, to this day I know that was his power play to keep me focused. LoL! However, he fascinated me further with the fact that he coached my uncles (Moms younger brothers). Not to mention, my older brother Anthony L. Glover was a major LHS sports star lettering in: Football, Basketball and Baseball. That was Coach Coley--involved! LoL! My favorite Coley memory is when I was about to do Track & Field in Spring 1985. I had thrown Shot & Discus Spring 1984, but I wasnt a fan of the EXERCISE regimen. LoL! So, one day in class Coach gave me some revelation knowledge that BLESSED me...he taught me the importance of being on a TEAM! He said: If you find it difficult to do the exercises, you know you can be the Manager? You get the same rewards with less stress. Its like HEAVEN opened up. Thats why today, Im a 5yr letterman of the Marching Band and a 4yr letterman of Track & Field with 4 STATE GOLD MEDALS!!!! LoL! Coach Coley was as passionate about classroom as he was about field. He constantly reiterated what my Mom has said all my life: The 6Ps of success: Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. This has carried me very far. So, as I close, my heartfelt prayers and condolences are extended to: Matt, Brett and the entire Coley Family. THANK YOU for sharing your amazing Dad with ALL of us. May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Coach Coley will be forever missed and eternally loved. For EVERYTHING your life has given--THANKS, COACH!!!! Humbly Submitted Pastor Stacy Glover LHS Class of 1988 ------------------------------------- I encourage the rest of you that have a Coley memory to please share it here. It would be nice for his family to have a collection of stories on how Coach Coley impacted you.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 02:34:56 +0000
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