The first time I met him I was 12 or 13 years old. His voice was a booming and imposing sound that caught our attention immediately. Truth be told I don’t know if I’m the only one, but I was kind of afraid of him. Then again, I was about 12 or 13 years old and this man whom I would call “Coach,” for the next 2 to 3 years would actually play more of a developmental role in my life that I had realized he would. I am pretty sure that it’s fair to say at least on the team, coach didn’t take any crap, lol. He let us have our fair share of fun, but when it was time to listen, he let us know. I may or may not have been the recipient of a few laps around the field due to my occasional inability to let a joke go. Almost 40 years old now, I can honestly say that, legitimately, some of my fondest memories are from the days that I was honored to call him Coach. The distinct memory that I have of these times was one of the games he and Jared had picked me up and given me a ride. See, everyone in my family was sick. Everyone. Including me. A fact that I may have forgotten to mention when I called them that morning asking for a ride. Unbeknownst to my parents, I had gotten suited up and waited by the door. When they pulled in the driveway, I ran out, hopped in, and we left. Mid game, I can’t remember exactly what was happening, but I really needed out. I asked for a sub and sat on the sideline, digging through my bag to find the Ziploc baggies that I brought. I began vomiting into them which caused coach a decent amount of alarm because he still had no idea that I was sick. This was difficult to explain to him when he very casually mentioned that I was prepared with Ziploc baggies. It’s been many years, but from what I can remember his ability to casually insert sarcasm was very impressive. He and Jared dropped me off after the game and my mother met us at the door. You have to remember that this was pre-cell phone era, and she was pretty much freaking out. I remember having to knock on the door to get back in the house and Mom headed there for caught me red-handed. Coach caught her up on what had happened and when the door closed behind her, and I heard him laughing, I received the verbal lashing I saw richly deserved. Next week at soccer practice, Coach says, “ Noah, ready to run some laps? But you’re not gonna do that again, and started quietly laughing.” at least he told me that he was happy that I was feeling better. Again I want to emphasize that I hadn’t seen him in years, but I’m certain that one thing remained constant. Underneath it all- he was always a sweet man that wanted the best for everyone around him. Rest well Coach and thank you. To the Bielecki family, Sending you love and prayers.
