Mike Musick

Michael Musick, Senior

Longtime faculty member and coach Michael Musick passed away on January 27, 2021, after a years-long battle with cancer. Coach Musick dedicated his life to the Lord, to his family and to influencing the lives of young people through teaching and coaching.

We asked Mark Kirby (assistant athletic director and longtime coach) to share about the legacy of his friend, fellow coach and colleague.

hen I think about Coach Mike Musick or hear his name, I either smile as pleasant memories flood my mind or tear up because of the separation that death has brought. It wasn’t only students who were enriched by Coach Musick; it was those he coached with and against and others he encountered along the way. It was me.

Our relationship had many facets: peer, coach, mentor, and colleague, but the one I cherish the most is that of friend. As a

Mr. Musick takes time to explain the anatomy of the heart to Brian Nall (‘03).

23-year-old kid right out of college, I met Coach Musick in 1980 when I arrived at Lakeland Christian School. Because of my love of running, I soon began working with the track team alongside Coach Musick in the spring of 1981, then Cross Country in the fall.

My friendship with Coach was a deep friendship forged under the hot Florida sun as we pounded the hard pavement or ran the spongy grass of Lake Hunter—that was back when we both could keep up with the athletes; it was forged as we piled cross country runners into an old beat-up station wagon owned by the school and traveled all

“It wasn’t only students who were enriched by Coach Musick; it was those he coached with and against and others he encountered along the way.”

over the state; it was forged as we prayed together for our families and our athletes; it was forged as we discussed many passages of Scripture; it was forged as I hit a little white ball and he hit a little yellow ball all over the golf course; it was forged by both the deep and light discussions we had as I drove a bus and he talked to make sure I stayed awake; it was forged through mutual respect, our love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our school.

Coach was masterful with the X and O’s of meet strategy and putting individuals in the right events to maximize their potential and team points. I was his wingman.

“Coach Musick loved to win, but it was not his identity. His identity was in Jesus Christ.”

Thank you, Coach Musick, for a life well lived.

Unfortunately, many coaches’ identities are wrapped up in their wins and losses, their trophies and titles. Make no mistake— Coach Musick loved to win, but it was not his identity. His identity was in Jesus Christ. If you didn’t know, you would never realize that Mike was one of the most successful Cross Country and Track & Field coaches in the state. He was a humble man, more concerned about a kid’s spirit and soul than the time on the stopwatch. He used athletics to hone kids and give them a place to fit, to help them be better. He loved nothing more than working with an uncoordinated, plodding kid, and turn him into a good runner. He was able to look past the starting point and see the potential, and he had a way of teasing that out.

In those last days as I sat with my friend, I was able again to share my heart with him and how much his friendship meant to me over the last 40 years. I laughed, and I cried. I knew I was going to miss my friend. But, the beauty of being a believer—of both knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior—is that I didn’t really have to tell my friend goodbye. I could hug him, tell him I loved him and with full confidence say “Until we meet again.” Thank you, Coach Musick, for a life well lived.

Coach Musick’s teams won 14 State Championships and 11 State Runner-Up titles during his years coaching at LCS.

SOME TRIBUTE COMMENTS FROM FACEBOOK

A dear and unique person and a true encourager. He ran his race well and finished strong! His influence will be felt in the lives of all who knew him, and his wisdom will be remembered and shared. He taught with heartfelt dedication, a touch of wry humor, and his character speaks for itself. He invested into the lives of his students, commenting with unflinching integrity wherever it was most needed. Thank you, Mr. Musick!

- Sylvia Grafton

He introduced me to Greek and how to dissect a cat his first year at LCS. But his ability to connect and value each student has by far had the greatest impact on my life.

- Stephanie Savage

Mr. Musick is the person you thank God for as a colleague, coach and teacher of children—yours and others. Such a wise, disciplined, humble and spirit-filled man. Our family always thank God for having placed him and Sandra in our lives.

- Sheron White

All of our children were impacted by his influence as a teacher and coach!

- Sheri Cline

Christal Howe Helvering (‘84) and Gay Haines Kelly (‘84) visited Coach Musick at a track meet, wearing the limited edition shirt made in his honor.

Mike was one of a kind. A brilliant mind, a dry humor, and a great love for the Lord and for people. I’m grateful to have known him.

- Maggie Forlaw

I’m an LCS alumna, Class of 1991! I loved Mr. Musick, and I will always remember how fun he was as a teacher! His dry sense of humor was always a breath of fresh air in class and in the hallways (once you figured it out). Heaven just received a very special blessing!

- Pamela Keene Fletcher

He was a wonderful man and teacher! Loved his classes!!! I know how much he will be missed on earth, but man oh man is he celebrating now!

- Kathy Popelka

Thank you, Mike, for pouring out your wisdom and humor in our kids. You will always be remembered.

- J. Eric Thomas

A difference maker—SURE he was! What a legacy this man leaves! He was such a great science teacher. I have so many fond memories of his great musing and pondering and how he would include his Smurfs in the wonderings. Such a strong man of faith! I had so many questions about God as I am an analytic, and he never made me feel judged or “stupid” for my questions. He would scratch his head and say, “Well now that’s a great question. Wanna talk about it over lunch or after school?” And ultimately take me down the path of knowing for myself that God is... (whatever my question was).... not just his quick answer. Loved that about him!

- Jennifer Clark

Although I never participated in sports, Mr. Musick taught me Latin, gave me my senior quote (he had written a couple down on tardy slips and just handed them out when people asked for them), and would always seem shocked when I couldn’t answer the Trivial Pursuit questions about music. He will be missed.

- Vaviel Verner Crane

It is impossible to summarize the impact this man had on so many lives.

- Alexander Delfino

Top: Laurel Hesseltine (‘16) and Mr. Musick clown around during class. Bottom: Coach Musick, pictured here with his son Joe (‘94), had the opportunity to teach and coach all four of his own children, as well as several grandchildren.