Gary Munsen Tab

Remembering

Gary Munsen 1943 - 2016

Special edition | Monday, January 18, 2016

2

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

Gary Munsen Named New Cage Coach at Mitchell EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story appeared in The Daily Republic’s print edition on May 18, 1973, announcing the hire of Gary Munsen as the Kernels’ new boys basketball coach. The story is reprinted as it first appeared.

By The Daily Republic

Table of contents Pages 3, 17-19: He was “Mitchell basketball” Page 5: Munsen’s career timeline Pages 6-7: Broadcaster Tim Smith on “The Coach, The Legend” Pages 8-10: Recaps of each championship season for Munsen’s 12 title-winning teams

Page 11-13: Photos of each championship team under Munsen.

Page 14: Friends and colleagues remember Munsen.

Page 15: He said it: Some of Munsen’s best (printable) quotes.

Page 16: Munsen year-by-year, with career record, all-state and alltournament selections.

Credits

Contributors: Garrick Hodge and Eric Mayer Special thanks to the Carnegie Resource Center, of Mitchell, Mitchell High School staff and Photography Unlimited.

Cover art: Courtesy of Photography Unlimited Managing Editor: Luke Hagen/Republic Section Editor: Marcus Traxler/Republic

Gary Munsen 1943-2016

We mourn the loss but celebrate the life and legacy of Gary Munsen, "Coach."

210 S. MAIN ST. 6 1/2 BLOCKS S. OF THE CORN PALACE 996-9417 WWW.MITCHELLDEPOT.COM

001369870r1

Gary Munsen has been named as the new basketball coach at Mitchell High School, succeeding Tim Fisk who resigned recently to enter private business.

Munsen has been in the Mitchell school district four years, coaching eighth grade basketball one year, freshmen for two seasons and the sophomore cagers for one year.

Prior to coming to Mitchell, Munsen coached at Marion for three years.

The White Lake native is a 1966 graduate of Dakota State College in Madison, having played basketball for three years. He also headed the Dakota State junior varsity his senior year.

In a joint statement by Mitchell school superintendent Bob McCardle and MHS principal Bruce Crockett, the two said, “We are certainly sorry to lose Tim Fisk, but extremely pleased to have a person with Munsen’s qualifications to step in.”

“Munsen is a person in our system who has done an excellent job and we anticipate that he will carry on the outstanding work of Tim Fisk.”

No successor has been named to fill Munsen’s vacated post as sophomore coach.

Munsen taught at Mitchell Junior High but will now move to the Senior High.

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

3

‘He was Mitchell basketball’

By LUKE HAGEN The Daily Republic

Gary Munsen, who for nearly four decades commanded the Mitchell boys basketball team, has died. He was 72.

Munsen, a White Lake native, retired following the 2012 season and finished his career with 902 combined wins in both girls and boys basketball, the most in South Dakota history. He won 12 state titles combined in both girls and boys basketball after 47 years on the bench, including 39 years as a varsity head coach.

Scott Munsen, Gary’s son, said his father was found early Jan. 12 by a friend.

“He taught me a lot of things growing up: How to be a man. How to be mentally tough. How to compete,” Scott Munsen said Tuesday. “I wish he had more time. But that’s not up to us. That’s up to the good Lord.”

On the day of Munsen’s death, the Mitchell boys basketball team wore gold replica uniforms in tribute to the longtime coach in its game against Brookings. The uniforms are a replica of the uniforms worn by the 1984 Kernels, who won coach Munsen’s first of 12 state basketball titles.

There was also a moment of silence for the coach.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary’s immediate and extended family, with his many friends and acquaintances,” Mitchell Activities Director Geoff Gross said in a statement. “Gary’s smile, laugh, and personality were like none other. He retired after the 2012 boys basketball season as one of the winningest coaches in South Dakota

Photography Unlimited photo

Mitchell coach Gary Munsen directs the Kernels during a 2011 game at the Corn Palace.

sports history.”

Munsen coached varsity boys basketball in Mitchell from 1974 to 2012 and his teams qualified for the state tournament 34 out of 39 years. His boys teams won nine state titles. He also coached girls varsity basketball in Mitchell from 1989 to 2001, making the state tournament 11 out of

REMEMBERING A LEGEND ON AND OFF THE COURT.

13 years. His girls teams won three state championships.

Stacey Munsen, while fighting back tears, shared memories of her father that weren’t basketball-related.

“He was the best dad,” she said. “He spent summers with us and he took us everywhere he went. I remember how he made you feel like the most important person in the world. He made everyone feel that way, including my kids.”

Munsen — who had 12 grandchildren — retired from coaching in 2012, listing health and family for the main reasons he wanted to step down. He coached his final game for Mitchell High School on March 17, 2012, when the Kernels lost to Sioux Falls O’Gorman in the Class AA state championship game.

At the end of his career, Munsen tallied a total of 673 boys basketball wins and 229 girls basketball wins. Those numbers reflect Munsen’s 39 varsity seasons at Mitchell and three varsity seasons as Marion’s head boys basketball coach.

“I couldn’t have done it without the kids,” Munsen said in a 2012 interview after a successful hip replacement surgery. “That’s the way I look at it. What’s more astonishing, I think, is since 1984 — 28 years — my teams have been in the finals 14 times. Half of those 28 years we’ve made it to the state tournament. I mean, that’s quite an accomplishment, too.”

See MUNSEN, Page 17

Remembering a Man, Coach and Mentor who impacted so many lives and touched a community.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MEMORIES!

205 N MAIN ST, MITCHELL, SD 57301 PHONE:(605) 996-3200

001369106r1

Thank you Coach Gary Munsen

1800 E Spruce St, Mitchell | www.mitchelltech.edu

May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.

Coach Munsen In our hearts forever 001369075r1

Office: 605-990-6589 • Cell: 605-996-6589

001369092r1

106 W. 5th Ave, Suite 1 • Mitchell kellygrossinsurance@mitchelltelecom.net www.kellygrossinsurance.com

4

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

MUNSEN

5

TIMELINE

March 12, 1943: Munsen is born in White Lake.

1955: Munsen goes with his father Charles to the Huron Arena for the state basketball tournament for the first time.

1961: Munsen attends Dakota Wesleyan University for one year.

1963-1966: Munsen played basketball for General Beadle State Teachers College — now known as Dakota State University — under head coach Ed Harter.

1966: Munsen begins coaching career at Marion.

1969: Munsen leaves Marion after a contract dispute.

July 4, 1969: Munsen moves to Mitchell and teaches general business at Mitchell Middle School during the 1969-70 school year.

Spring 1973: Munsen takes over as varsity boys basketball coach. Munsen was 80-6 as a freshman and sophomore coach before taking over the varsity team.

Spring 1974: Mitchell finishes 18-7 overall and third at the state tournament in Munsen’s first year at the helm.

Spring 1984: Mitchell wins first of three straight state championships, 54-48 over Sioux Falls Washington.

This was Munsen’s first career state championship.

Spring 1985: Mitchell wins a second consecutive state championship, 62-59 over Sioux Falls Washington, finishing 23-0 on the season. It’s the only undefeated boys season of Munsen’s Kernel career and was in the midst of a 40-game winning streak from 1984 to 1986.

Spring 1986: Mitchell wins a third straight state title, 64-49 over Brookings. The Kernels completed the three-year title stretch with a record of 66-3.

Spring 1987: The Mitchell boys basketball team wins its fifth straight Eastern South Dakota Conference championship, which stands as a conference record.

Spring 1989: Munsen hired to be the varsity girls basketball coach.

Fall 1990: Mitchell girls win the State AA girls championship, a 57-49 victory over Yankton.

Spring 1990: Mitchell boys win the State AA boys championship, 56-55 over Sioux Falls Lincoln.

Spring 1991: Mitchell boys win the State AA boys championship, 72-41 over Rapid City Central.

Fall 1992: Mitchell girls win the State AA girls championship, a 52-43 victory over Sioux Falls Roosevelt.

Fall 1994: Mitchell girls win the State AA girls championship, a 42-32 victory over Yankton.

Spring 1994: Mitchell boys win the State AA boys championship, 63-55 over Aberdeen Central.

Fall 1995: Mitchell girls make the state championship game for a sixth consecutive year. The six year stretch includes three titles and three runner-up finishes Spring 1996: Kernels win first of two straight state championships behind future NBA player Mike Miller, 64-48 over Sioux Falls Washington.

Spring 1997: Kernels win second consecutive state championship with Miller, 47-35 over Sioux Falls Lincoln.

Spring 2000: Munsen retires from teaching.

March 3, 2001: Munsen recorded his 500th career win.

2002: Girls high school basketball moves from the fall to the winter, and Munsen gives up coaching the Kernel girls. He helped Mitchell girls make the state tournament 11 times in 13 years.

Spring 2002: The Kernel boys make the state tournament for a 20th consecutive year, a new state record.

Spring 2005: Mitchell boys win the Class AA state championship, 69-64 over Sioux Falls O’Gorman. This was Munsen’s last state title.

Feb. 14, 2012: Mitchell beats Watertown to clinch Munsen’s 16th Eastern South Dakota Conference boys championship. The game was Munsen’s final regular season home game.

March 2, 2012: Munsen recorded his 900th career win — when combining girls and boys wins — with a 50-41 victory against Huron.

March 17, 2012: Munsen coached in his final game, a 63-48 loss in the Class AA state championship.

April 13, 2013: Munsen was inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame.

June 2013: Munsen named national coach of the year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association.

April 12, 2015: Munsen made a final return to the sidelines to coach against hall-of-fame coach Larry Lutjens at the inaugural South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association and Sanford Pentagon All-Star game.

Jan. 12, 2016: Munsen died at age 72.

It’s the little things, the small, everyday occurrences that you’ll remember. The laughs, the stories, the smiles.

And even though it seems like you can never recover from your loss, it is these very memories that will help push the pain away and bring back the smiles.

2100 Highland Way • 605-995-5095

www.blarneyssportsbar.com

WE EXTEND OUR SYPMATHY

TO THE MUNSEN FAMILY HE GAVE US SO MUCH TO REMEMBER

PESCHONG GROUP, LLC

605-999-4574

Residential, Commercial & Ag Property | Free Property Price Evaluation

001369096r1

peschong@mitchellrealty.net 901 N Main St Mitchell, SD 57301

Steve Peschong

THANKS COACH

Kyle Peschong 605-770-1508

001368817r1

YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON THRU ALL THE LIVES YOU TOUCHED

001368876r1

1301 W. 15th Ave, SD Hwy 37 Bypass Mitchell 605-996-4062 • Toll Free 1-800-559-4162

6

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

The Coach, The Legend How Gary Munsen changed the life of a young broadcaster

I arrived in Mitchell in April of 1973 from Minneapolis, and tried to settle in to my new home at the KORN studios on Main Street. Less than two weeks later, I was told to cover a press conference at the senior high school, where a fellow named Gary Munsen was to be named to new boys basketball coach.

It was the start of a 43-year relationship that no one could have predicted.

I remember telling my wife, “Now, don’t get too settled, because we probably won’t be in Mitchell very long.”

Of course, the big-city kid was sure he would soon be announcing in the NFL or the NBA. In large part, because of Gary Munsen, I am still in Mitchell today without a regret.

The early years were at times a rollercoaster. Good seasons with bad. Personal issues. The Coach rarely turned down a cold beverage. The passing of his beloved wife. There were those who wanted to put “for sale” signs in The Coach’s front yard.

COMMENTARY Tim Smith is a longtime Mitchell sports broadcaster, calling Mitchell High School, Dakota Wesleyan University and area athletics. In this column, Smith shares his memories of his friend, Gary Munsen.

SMITH

Then the magic happened.

The 1980s brought the Kernels to power and it continued until the coach was done.

It wasn’t just basketball, it was a religion.

Mitchell was basketball. The Corn Palace doors had to be locked for big games. Many games, fans had to find standing room wherever they could. Mitchell basketball was the main topic of conversation in homes, in schools and at the bars. Grade school boys fantasized of being Mitchell

Kernels and playing for The Coach. My son was one of them who realized the dream of a state title. And for a broadcaster, it was heaven. Not just the games, but the chance to meet the important people of Mitchell.

When The Coach showed up at a packed Moonlight Bar after the home games, he sat by me. The young kid from Minneapolis had arrived and was brought into the inner circle. For some reason, I was almost thought of as one of the coaching staff.

People who I barely knew were my best friends because I was the person who broadcast Kernel basketball. Then came business opportunities, and a family, and, as they say, the rest is history.

From 1982 on, there was only one year the people of Mitchell didn’t pack their bags for either Sioux Falls or Rapid City in March for a state tournament appearance.

The lucky hotel was completely booked with Kernel fans. The poolside pep rallys, the late-night to early-morning replay of every important possession of the game was all part of the ritual.

How big was it?

Father Steve Barnett of Holy Spirit regularly got permission from the archbishop to allow Catholics at the tournament to eat meat on semifinal Fridays. The donations would come from every business to load a huge trailer full of food and other goodies for the hospitality room. If you didn’t take the family, you were the “bad parent.” And at the center of it was The Coach. If you

waited up long enough, about 2 a.m., he would make an appearance at the hotel. Of course, he couldn’t sleep.

His intensity for the game was unmatched. If the Kernels won by 20, it wasn’t good enough. They call it tough love, and you don’t see it much anymore.

He took losses personally. On one random Saturday morning, I phoned him to speak on my radio coaches show. He sounded groggy, and confessed he had gotten only about four hours of sleep. Why, after a home game? He was so upset over a loss that he drove the interstate. That’s correct.

He drove Interstate 90 west to Presho, turned around and drove to Sioux Falls, and then returned home to Mitchell. By that time, his blood pressure was down.

One of my most amusing incidents with The Coach occurred at the Corn Palace. A few bad calls went against Mitchell’s way in the final minutes and a home loss was always unacceptable. The Coach was kicking at the referee’s locker room door as I went to the back hallway to do my live postgame talk. I knew it was going to be bad.

The redness would not leave his face, but I had to go on the air. One question is all it took, and the words, “That was total b------” followed. “Those two ----- will never work in the Corn Palace again.”

Somehow, we got through it. The following Tuesday morning at the office, I received a phone call that began with the See SMITH, Page 6

You Will Be Remembered Gary Munsen was Mitchell Basketball.

We mourn his loss but celebrate his life and legacy.

1718 N Sanborn., PO Box 1025, Mitchell, SD 57301 TELEPHONE: 605-996-5588 FAX: 605-996-6129 mitchellaw@morgantheeler.com

(605) 996-4701 001368826r1

001368762r1

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

SMITH

7

Remember, it was tied with 14 seconds to play and they fouled us in the backcourt? We made the free throws and I switched to a zone and we stole the Continued from Page 6 ball to put it away.” familiar drawn-out “Tim Smith.” No mistaking I would answer, “Oh yes, that game,” while not who it was. having a clue. His memory was uncanny.

“I’m calling you let you know that you’ll be getI was reminded after traveling to Pierre last week ting a f------ apology letter from me in the mail.” about his last visit there as a coach. I watched as I knew he meant no disrespect and I burst out person after person came up and hugged him and laughing. He went on to say the South Dakota wished him the best. I watched as the Pierre cheerHigh School Activities Association was making him leaders asked for his autograph. And I heard him say write apology letters to both school’s administrato one of the cheerleaders. “Now, didn’t you have an tions, the officials, the media, and he was put on older sister who was a cheerleader about five years probation. I knew his face was red again. It was ago?” just The Coach’s way.

Unbelievable. It got him an extra hug.

While The Coach demanded perfection and From cheerleaders to assistant coaches to fans, dedication from his players, and was a nightmare The Coach treated everyone as an equal, even for officials on the court, he had a heart of gold. though his stature could have made him aloof.

Beside his family, his players meant everything to Our friendship continued until the end. I spoke him. Find a former player who does not have the with him the day of his passing. Of course, mostly utmost respect for The Coach, and it’s probably a about basketball and what it would take to get the player who failed to give it all to Kernel basketball.

Kernels back to the state tournament. I will miss I watched the practices, I heard the language, but I him stopping by my house in his golf cart this sumalso saw the joking and the fun. The players would mer. Off to take care of his daily duty looking for lost run through a brick wall for The Coach. He knew golf balls in the trees and bushes of Wild Oak. how to win, and they knew it.

In my view, there will never be another time like Republic file photo His love for his players was evident until the final the one that I have experienced in 39 years with days. He regularly kept in touch with many, and Gary Munsen, left is presented with an autographed basketball by Mitchell The Coach. It would take the right school system, when they visited, you could see the pride in his the right kids, the right parents, realizing that tough cheerleaders following a third place state finish in 1983. eyes. He loved to tell stories. And who didn’t hear love is not a bad thing, and probably doing away the same story from The Coach four or five times games and most recently his memories of his past teams. with social media. Even then, there will never be over? It didn’t matter, because they always seemed to have He could always embarrass me if he wanted to. The Coach another coach with the personality, the passion, and the a little different twist, and nobody could tell them like The had a recall that was beyond belief. Give him any game in zest for life as Gary Munsen.

Coach. any year and he could give you the details. He would say, He was truly The Legend!

I will miss his phone calls to talk basketball after Kernel “Of course you remember the game in Brookings in 1989.

His legacy of service to his community reaches far and will never be forgotten.

001368661r1

001368844r1

To my friend since April of 1973, who shared the great victories and the tough defeats both on and off the court. You have touched so many young lives, including my own at the age of 22, with a passion for winning and a zest for life we will not forget. You are truly “The Legend”.

Muns, Thanks for an incredible ride!

34 Boys State Basketball Tournaments 9 Boys State Championships 11 Girls State Basketball Tournaments 3 Girls State Championships Great times, great memories. You are the best!

Harve’s Sport Shop

213 N. Main • Downtown Mitchell 605-996-8226 • 1-800-952-3971

001369097r1

Tim Smith - - Kernel Broadcaster

1130 S Burr St, Mitchell, SD 57301 • 605-996-7711 • www.fischerrounds.com

8

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

1984 1985 1986 1990 1991 1994 1996 1997 2005

1990 1992 1994

12-time state champions

Boys state champions 1984 (Class A) Munsen’s first state championship came in 1984 when Mitchell beat Sioux Falls Washington 54-48 in the state championship game. It was the Kernels’ first boys basketball state championship since 1964 and the team finished with a record of 22-1.

Kyle Adams and Bart Friedrick were both named to the all-tournament team.

Friedrick earned first team all-state honors, while Adams was named second team and Chad Andersen earned third team. “This is the seventh time for me as a coach in the state tournament. You’d like to win every year, but you can’t do that,�

Munsen said at the time. “Sometimes you don’t get the breaks and other times you don’t really have the talent. A couple times

in past years we probably could have got to the finals but never did. What I always wanted to do was coach in a championship game. Then once I got here I wanted more. I wanted to win it.�

Team members were: Gary Powers, Tim Byrd, Kelly Splitt, Kyle Adams, Chad Andersen, Bart Friedrick, Jim Heckenlaible, Jason DeLange, Scott Munsen, Travis Peters, Jon Christensen, Rich Widman, Artie Rew, Chad Dockter.

1985 (Class A) Munsen called the 1984-85 boys basketball team his best ever. The Kernels were the only boys basketball team under Munsen to finish a season undefeated at 23-0. Mitchell topped Sioux Falls Washington for the second straight year in the championship game 62-59. It was the last year high school boys basketball in South Dakota was played under a twoclass system. “We hope to be involved in the state tournament next year in Rapid City but it will take a heck of an effort because of

the three-class system,� Munsen said. “He later closed his remarks by saying, “there are only two great teams in the world: the Mitchell Kernels and the Boston Celtics.�

Team members were: Pete Morgan, Bart Friedrick, Tim Byrd, Chad Andersen, Jason DeLange, Shawn Haley, Dean Jacobsen, Jeff Brooks, Jim Heckenlaible, Chad Miller, Todd Sitzmann, Jason Bickett, Steve Thompson, Jim Putnam, Wes Morgan, Mark Reynen.

1986 (Class AA) Mitchell complete a three-peat under Munsen in 1986 as the Kernels defeated Brookings 64-49 in the state championship game. Mitchell finished the season with a record of 21-2.

Wes Morgan and Dean Jacobsen were named to the all-tournament team, with Jacobsen earning first team all-state honors and Morgan being named to the second team. “We were picked to finish fifth in the ESD and then we weren’t even rated at the start of the year,� Munsen said. “But

you have to give our kids a lot of credit.

The accepted their roles and played strong defense all year. I’m proud of these kids.�

Team members were: Brian Paulus, Scott Larson, Dean Jacobsen, Chad Miller, Bryan Mohr, Wes Morgan, Mike Sterner, Steve Thompson, Steve Andersen, Mark Reynen, Steve Andrzejewski, Allen Gunnare and Jeff Brooks.

1990 (Class AA) In thrilling fashion, Mitchell claimed its fourth boys basketball state championship under Munsen by beating Sioux Falls Lincoln 56-55 in double overtime in the state championship game.

The Kernels finished the season 19-5 with Sean Stephens and Marty Jacobsen earning all-tournament team honors.

Jacobsen was also named first team allstate. “Give our kids a lot of credit, especially in the first half when we got down by 11,�

Munsen said. “The kids felt very comfortable at halftime when we were down See CHAMPIONS, Page 9

&RDFK *DU\ 0XQVHQ ZDV D KXJH LQĂ€ XHQFH WR RXU FRPPXQLW\ +H KDV KDG D SURIRXQG DIIHFW RQ PDQ\ DQG ZLOO EH WUXO\ PLVVHG

We’ve lost someone who was a special part of our community.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Munsen family.

1 0DLQ ‡ 0LWFKHOO 6' EORFNV 1 RI &RUQ 3DODFH ‡

May we all ďŹ nd comfort in each other and in all the deep concern that comes to us today.

We’ll Never Forget You Coach Munsen!

J.D. CONCRETE

1500 W 5th Ave., Mitchell, SD

352-7765

West Hwy. 14 • Huron 1417 E. Spruce Ave. • Mitchell

001369093r1

996-8084

605-996-5221 • www.meyersoil.com

001368808r1

001369079r1

Listed are recaps of the 12 state championship teams that Gary Munsen coached with nine boys teams and three girls teams winning titles.

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

CHAMPIONS Continued from Page 8

Republic file photo

Gary Munsen cuts down the nets following the 2 0 0 5 boys state championship game in S ioux F alls, his 12 th and final state championship as a K ernel coach.

'DNRWD :HVOH\DQ 8QLYHUVLW\ UHPHPEHUV &RDFK *DU\ 0XQVHQ ZLWK DSSUHFLDWLRQ IRU WKH JHQHUDWLRQV RI .HUQHOV ZKR EHFDPH 7LJHUV “The biggest thing for sure, is what he did to turn me into a leader.

When Coach Munsen brought me up in ninth and 10th grade, I was quiet and scared and wasn’t really that vocal. When I was a junior and a senior, I became a leader and now I’m a leader on the DWU team. That is something that I owe to Coach Munsen.”

– TATE MARTIN, RS-Junior, Guard, DWU Men’s Basketball, Mitchell

28-27 and kind of struggled at times in the second half, but they just played hard the whole tournament and that’s why they are state champions.”

Team members were: Jay Eidsness, Marty Jacobsen, Bob Zimmerman, Tim Wiebelhaus, Preston Bowen, Pat Larson, Sean Stephens, Rob Christensen, Chris Giblin, Tanner Musick, Darrin Geraets, Jason Berg, Tyson Theeler, Dustin Dierks and John Hofer.

1991 (Class AA) Mitchell defeated Rapid City Central 72-48 in the state championship game to earn Munsen’s fifth boys basketball state title. The Kernels finished the season with a record of 20-3.

Sean Stephens and Tyson Theeler were named to the all-tournament team, with Theeler earning first team allstate honors and Jason Berg being named to the second team.

Theeler scored a then-cham-

pionship game record 37 points in the win.

“Tyson’s (Theeler) eyes got real big when he saw they were playing a zone,” Munsen said.

“So did (Chris) Giblin’s. That’s the kind of thing they love to see, and they stayed in it until the end when we weren’t going to shoot anymore.”

Team members were: Tanner Musick, Dustin Dierks, Barry Weidenbach, Chris Giblin, Chris Asche, Rob Christensen, Kraig Geraets, Tyson Theeler, John Hofer, Sean Stephens, Jason Berg, Chad Nelson and Dave Scott.

1994 (Class AA) Munsen’s sixth boys basketball state title came in 1994 when Mitchell beat Aberdeen Central 63-55 in the state championship game. The Kernels went 19-5 that season.

Dan Andersen and Ryan Miller earned all-tournament team honors. Miller was named first team all-state and Jarrett Andersen was named to the second team.

“This tournament was great because everyone who hit the floor played a big part,” Munsen

9

said. “In tournament play, we always tell the kids to rise to the occasion. This year, they did.”

Team members were: Brad Wiese, Scott Giblin, Ryan Miller, Jarrett Andersen, Ryan Raml, Dan Andersen, Carl Pierson, Mike Riddle, Chad Feeldy, Brett Theeler, Jared Miller and Matt Sevareid.

1996 (Class AA) Future NBA standout Mike Miller earned his first state championship and Munsen’s seventh boys title in 1996.

The Kernels beat Sioux Falls Washington 64-48 in the state championship game and finished the season 21-2.

“This is one of the better defensive teams I’ve ever coached,” Munsen said. “They don’t have a lot of size, but they’re physical. They love to play defense.”

Mike Miller, Jared Miller and Brett Theeler were all-tournament team selections, with Mike Miller earning first team all-state honors and Jared Miller picking up second team honors.

Team members were: Mike Miller, Bob Cogley, Jared Miller, See CHAMPIONS, Page 10

The Membership of the Mitchell Moose Lodge Would like to Celebrate the life of a Great Coach and Man.

Goodbye Coach Gary Munsen MOOSE LODGE - MITCHELL

We’ll Never Forget You Coach!

1200 W. University Ave., Mitchell, S.D. • www.dwuathletics.com 001369451r1

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

Continued from Page 9

Tom Young, Brett Theeler, Skip Young, Jason Hohn. Todd Grivna, Kyle Severaid, Jason Ackman, Chad Porter, Dusty Robbennolt and Mark Schnabel.

1997 (Class AA) Mike Miller and Munsen teamed up for another state championship during Mike’s senior season in 1997. The Kernels beat Sioux Falls Lincoln 47-35 in the state championship game and finished the year 19-4.

Miller, Tom Young and Jason Ackman were named to the all-tournament team.

Miller earned first team all-state honors, while Ackman was named to the second team.

“We didn’t have the offensive threat this year that we’ve had in the past but we certainly showed this tournament we could play defense,” Munsen said.

Team members were: Chad Porter, Kyle Sevareid, Tom Young, Mike Miller, Nick Scott, Tom Cogley, Jason Ackman, Skip Young. Dusty Robbennolt, Travis Merkwan, Jordan Pitts, Ernie Kuyper, T.J. Kippes and Tony Young.

2005 (Class AA) Munsen’s final state championship came in 2005 when Mitchell downed Sioux Falls O’Gorman 69-64 in the state

championship game. The Kernels finished the season with a 20-4 record.

Ryan Krome, Jon Christensen and Phil Johnson were named to the all-tournament team, with Krome earning first team all-state honors.

“I think we overachieved to a certain extent,” Munsen said. “I’m not being sarcastic to our own team, but I’m not certain how many college players we have on our team. We don’t have a lot of size, but we have a lot of heart. That’s how you win state championships.”

Team members were: Drew Anderson, Adam Fosness, Justin Brown, Trevor Salmonson, Trevor Allen, Nic Polly, Jon Christensen, Leif Evers, Wes Plaff, Ryan Krome, Robert Kuyper, Philip Johnson, Dylon Bender and Aaron Hieb.

Girls state champions 1990 (Class AA) Coach Munsen led the Mitchell girls basketball team to its first-ever state championship in 1990. The Kernels went 22-2 and won the state championship over Yankton 57-49. Munsen took over as the girls basketball coach in 1989, when the girls basketball season was still played in the fall.

Ronda Morgan and Elicia Jones were named all-tournament team, while Morgan and Kris Huber were named first

May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.

25487 403rd Ave. Mitchell

&

team All-state.

“I’ve been through this with the boys where a team will win an emotional game one night and then come back with nothing the next, especially after the semifinals,” Munsen said. “Our kids were as excited about beating Huron as they were about winning the title. We were a little flat and were behind the whole first half, but we didn’t get panicky about it.”

Team members were: Holly Bickett, Amy Young, Beth Ommen, Elicia Jones, Kris Huber, Shannon Kracht, Carrie Kippes, Belinda Benning, Tammy Fischer, Tayla Denne, Chris Johnson, Mindy Mitchell, Ericka Klein and Ronda Morgan. *Munsen left the team for chemical dependency treatment for 28 days.

Assistant coach Paul Sterling coached the team in his absence.

1992 (Class AA) Mitchell claimed its second girls basketball state championship in 1992 under the direction of Munsen. The Kernels finished the season undefeated at 23-0 and defeated Sioux Falls Roosevelt 52-43 in the state championship game.

Beth Ommen and Erin Olson were named to the all-tournament team with Ommen receiving first team All-state honors.

“I have some good news,” Munsen said at the team’s welcome home. “The good news is that we just won 23 games in a

row and a state championship. The bad news is that we have school tomorrow at 8:15.”

Team members were: Beth Ommen, Tammy Zell, Jodie Dierks, Kelly Musick, Brooke DeJong, Erin Olson, Amy Peschong, Kara Benson, Laura Struck, Robin Morgan, Nancy Ommen, Jenny Dierks and Stephanie Knight.

1994 (Class AA) After falling one game short a state championship the year before, the 1994 Mitchell Kernels earned Munsen’s third and final girls basketball state title.

Mitchell finished the season 23-0 and beat Yankton 42-32 in the state championship game.

“This is special because of the seniors,” Munsen said. “They’ve all been with me since their freshman year. It is also nice to win in front of the home crowd. We’ve had great crowd support throughout the season and this is a great way to finish.”

Nancy Ommen and Erin Olson were named to the all-tournament team and first team All-state.

Team members were: Jessica Johnson, Lori Youngbluth, Tia Setness, Jodie Dierks, Stephanie Knight, Nancy Ommen, Amy Peschong, Raven Morgan, Melinda Oster, Jamie Bailey, Kelly Musick, Erin Olson, Brooke DeJong, Shannon Kramer and Asako Shikata.

OW THAT AY TO KN ROW. W E M O ELP IN S OUR SOR MAY IT H ARING Y H S E R A FRIENDS

.

WITH 001369607r1

CHAMPIONS

001369099r1

10

S U F O L L A M O R F Y H T A P M Y S T S DEEPE FURNITURE “No one else can give you more!”

Honoring a Man who changed many lives and helped build a community.

Coach Munsen will be missed.

CORNER OF 9TH & MAIN

996-7516

995-0999 or Toll Free 1-866-549-0999

WWW.MITCHELLREALTY.NET 001369094r1

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

11

Courtesy of Photography Unlimited

The 1984 Kernel boys state championship team.

Courtesy of Photography Unlimited

The 1985 Kernel boys state championship team.

Courtesy of Photography Unlimited Courtesy of Photography Unlimited

The 1990 Kernel boys state championship team.

The 1986 Kernel boys state championship team.

Coaches teach you how to play a game.

Great coaches teach you how to be a better person.

996-2752 401 S. Ohlman • Mitchell 001369091r1

You were our friend, mentor and coach.

You will be missed.

001369499r1

We mourn the lo of a great Coach and Man! But Celebrate the life of a Mentor and a Leader.

001369103r1

Located in the Palace Mall 1801 N Main St #1, Mitchell (605) 995-2080 7am-2am 7 days a week

12

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

Courtesy of Photography Unlimited Courtesy of Photography Unlimited

The 1994 Kernel boys state championship team.

The 1991 Kernel boys state championship team.

Courtesy of Photography Unlimited

Courtesy of Photography Unlimited

The 1997 Kernel boys state championship team.

The 1996 Kernel boys state championship team.

Coach Munsen, You will be Missed!

Thanks for all you did for our community - you will be missed Mitchell Monuments & More 605-292-0730 • 888-409-8400 824 West Havens • Mitchell

Original home of the “Kernels”

001369105r1

(Across from Bittner Funeral Chapel)

®

115 W 12th, PO Box 296 Mitchell, SD 57301 Phone: (605) 996-4444

001369084r1

You’ll Be Missed.

Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the loss of Coach Munsen.

The Company You Keep

mitchellmonuments@midconetwork.com

Thanks for the Memories.

David L. Jorgenson, Agent New York Life Insurance Company 001369089r1

Thune’s

True Value & Home Appliance Center 1400 N. Main, Mitchell • 996-7508 • www.thunestruevalue.com

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

13

Courtesy of Photography Unlimited Courtesy of Photography Unlimited

The 1990 Kernel girls state championship team.

The 2005 Kernel boys state championship team.

Courtesy of Photography Unlimited Courtesy of Photography Unlimited

The 1994 Kernel girls state championship team.

The 1992 Kernel girls state championship team.

Although it is difficult to see beyond the sorrow, May all the memories help comfort us tomorrow.

522 N. Main • Mitchell • 605-996-9488

“Where You Always Know the Score!”

001369088r1

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHYS TO THE FAMILY OF COACH MUNSEN HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED 001368789r1

Downtown Mitchell www.woelfeldiamonds.com • (605) 996-5502

001368775r1

www.facebook.com/anytimefitnessmitchell

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

REMEMBERING

COACH

By The Daily Republic

Gary Munsen, 72, made a large impact on several people. Here are some memories people are sharing about Munsen.

Larry Luitjens, longtime boys basketball coach in South Dakota at Custer and De Smet “The first time I coached against his team in the Mike Miller Classic (in 2011), we both came out there in wheelchairs and we all got a kick out of that. As for the game, he just kicked our butt. It was a great example of the teams he had.

Bart Friedrick, who holds the school record for best field goal percentage in Mitchell High School career at 63 percent and played for Munsen on the 1984 and 1985 state champion teams: “The amount of time and effort that that guy put in for everybody was pretty special. I got to think he’ll be remembered by all of his players for the time and effort he put in with him. I know I will.”

Derek Robey, former player under Munsen for Mitchell, current O’Gorman boys basketball coach “I played in the early 1980s and I was by no means a star. I was in a reserve role but Coach Munsen always treated me with the respect of a star. That spoke to who he was as a person, more than just being a coach. He still mentored me to this day. He always said he was proud of me. We’re missing a great man.”

Korrie Wenzel, former Mitchell Daily Republic Sports editor and current publisher of the Grand Forks Herald newspaper: “Munsen demanded excellent defense, patience and teamwork — the three pillars of basketball success.

Through sheer talent or luck, good teams can occasionally happen without those three pillars, but they don’t happen consistently without them. And, more important, mediocre teams never improve and emerge without them.

“I don’t know how many times basketball fans in Mitchell lamented that the Kernels might have a down season, only to see the next team win 16 or 17 games and contend for yet another state title. That’s because of coach Munsen, who was so dedicated to his craft that he could lift good or average teams to greatness.”

Dr. Robert McWhirter, who sat on Mitchell’s bench

GARY MUNSEN along with Munsen from 1985 to 2012 as a team physician.

“He was intense. He was tough on his players and he made them work hard. But in the long run, they were very successful, and one of the things that you can be most proud of is the fact that a lot of his players, most of his players, have gone on to be successful in life.”

Jason Christensen, Dakota Wesleyan University women’s basketball coach who was on the Mitchell boys basketball team and graduated in 1994.

“He’s the reason I got into coaching. When I got my heart condition, he’s the one who talked me into coaching. That’s who Munsen was. I had a heart condition and couldn’t play, and he got me into coaching a traveling team. He touched a lot of people’s lives.”

Steve Culhane, owner of the Scoreboard, Kernel basketball score table announcer: “I played under him when he was the head coach in his second and third year at Mitchell High School, and then he was there to coach my son, Jeff, 25 years later, and he also coached my nephew, Matt. One thing I thought that was always pretty special, being around him over all these years, he had an effect on all the kids. There were kids who couldn’t wait for him.”

Tate Martin, Dakota Wesleyan University men’s basketball player who was a member on Munsen’s last team in 2011-12: “The biggest thing for sure, is what he did to turn me into a leader. When Coach Munsen brought me up in ninth and 10th grade, I was quiet and scared and wasn’t really that vocal. When I was a junior and a senior, I became a leader and now I’m a leader on the DWU team now. That is something that I owe to coach Munsen.”

Jade Miller, Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball player who was a member on Munsen’s last team in 2011-12: “Playing for Munsen in his last year was pretty special.

Growing up, he was the guy I wanted to play for as a kid the moment I first started learning about basketball. Now that I’m looking back on it, to say I got to play for him in his last year is so cool considering everything he’s done.”

Jeana Hoffman, who played for Munsen from 1998 to 2001: “As a whole, I have a lot of memories of coach Munsen,

Many caring thoughts are with you today.

With our deepest sympathy.

001369080r1

Haines Auction Company

especially things outside of basketball games like the road trips and practices. He was a friend and mentor later after high school. As a seventh-grader, I remember getting to play with two of my sisters. We won a regional game to qualify for the state tournament. Even though it was a bittersweet year, my sophomore year — he always challenged his players to do the best they could. That’s pretty evident in how many lives he touched.”

Wes Morgan, Mitchell girls basketball coach who played for Munsen from 1985 to 1987.

“He tried to make us better players and pushed us. He taught us how to play hard and have fun with the game of basketball. He made us aware that other teams aren’t going to wait for us — other teams won’t take a day. You have to prepare yourself every day to be successful.”

Tom Young, who played four years for Munsen and was the Mitchell boys basketball coach for one year after Munsen retired: “He was Mitchell basketball. I had him as a freshman, sophomore and then the first two years he coached on varsity. Probably what impressed me most about him is he would not accept anything but your best.”

Erik Skoglund, current Mitchell High School boys basketball coach: “Even before I was a part of Kernel basketball, in competition against the Kernels, he was a coach that I truly looked up to. He was a coach who always had time to talk to the young coach. Before the game, whether it was in the hall or on the benches as the teams were warming up, i truly appreciated that he took the time to get to know me and to talk basketball.”

Alan Miller, DWU’s all-time leading men’s basketball scorer and former Mitchell assistant boys basketball coach from 2003 to 2008: “He was a very enjoyable guy to coach with. He always knew everything that went on with the players. He had tremendous discipline, and all of his players respected him. When I came over to coach Munsen, the first thing I noticed was the intensity he brought to practice. He was really a guy that got the kids to play hard, and that’s why he was so successful.”

Ryan Miller, who played under Munsen in the mid1990s, currently an assistant coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas:

“A lot of the things he taught are with you forever.

Discipline, toughness, preparation and most importantly, his loving capacity for his players. A lot of the things that were taught in the early morning practices and the late afternoon practices carry over in the basketball in life in general. He cared for his players. (It was) that simple. If you show them love, they give you love.”

Ernie Kuyper, Kernel basketball player in the mid1990s and now organizes the Mike Miller Classic: “He truly cared. He let you know he loved you. Once you realized that, you’d do anything for the man. He was a big teddy bear.”

Craig Mock, current assistant coach for the Mitchell boys basketball team, including from 2007 to 2012 under Munsen: “One of the things we were just talking about today was the bus rides. You’d just sit next to him on some of these trips for three or four hours and he was a walking encyclopedia of South Dakota basketball. If I had an old program or something, I could quiz him on anything. I’d say ‘Tell me who was on the 1980 Class A state basketball all-state team?’ and he could rattle it off, no problem. They were things that were so unique and only he could know. He really knew South Dakota basketball like an encyclopedia.”

Jim Johnston, owner of Harve’s Sports Shop and South Dakota High School Activities Association basketball official: “His interest in AA basketball never went away just because he wasn’t coaching anymore. I remember just last week, he was looking in KMIT directories and wanted to go to a Huron and Aberdeen game. The thing about Munsen is he had this charisma about him when he walked into a place. He just attracted people for some reason. We went to a game at Brandon Valley and it’s like I brought a rock star to the game. Everyone came up and said hi to him. Everyone wanted to see and talk and to Muns.”

Darin Berg, who played for Munsen from 1985 to 1987, South Dakota High School Activities Association basketball official from 1989 to present day: “Muns was a great coach. After my playing days when I officiated his games, we always still had a good dialogue.

He was great even on the bench as an official.”

May the memories bring us all peace during this difficult time.

24480 376th Ave. • White Lake, SD • 605-249-2668 hai9@midstatesd.net OVER 65 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS

•General Dentistry •Cleaning & Whitening •Fillings •Crowns, Bridges & Veneers

•Partials & Dentures •Dental Implants •Orthodontics & Invisalign

Dr. Paul Miskimins | Dr. Jennifer Veurink 916 S Rowley Street • Mitchell, SD • 605-996-1223

001369078r1

Gone, But Never Forgotten!

Pheasants Forever Country Chapter 872

Mitchell, SD

001369587r1

14

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Aurora-Brule Nursing Home

408 South Johnston St., White Lake, South Dakota ~ 605-249-2216

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

15

He said it: Some of Gary Munsen’s best (printable) quotes “No other basketball team in South Dakota should break the win streak in this decade,” he said. “It will be broken sometime, but not for a while.”

— Munsen following the Kernels loss to Brookings on Jan. 24, 1986, ending a 40-game win streak from 1984 to 1986.

“Every practice and game should be a challenge for you individually and for the team.”

— Munsen, on the 1985 undefeated Kernel boys and handing an undefeated season.

“The main thing is I’ve had a lot of great players with great talent. The main thing is that they’ve all been willing to put forth the effort to be successful.”

— Munsen in July 1994, on being inducted into the South Dakota Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

“I think I yelled at the girls just as much as the boys — and sometimes even more. They weren’t used to the style of play that we introduced and they needed to learn quickly. It was basically the same drill. Sometimes girls are more emotional but they get over that quickly.

— Munsen in a 2004 Argus Leader story about coaches motivating athletes and Munsen’s techniques taking over the Kernel girls job in 1989.

“I said ‘no’ about 17,000 times. He finally finagled me to do it one way or another.”

— Munsen in 2012, recalling his exchanges with the late Mitchell School District administrator Bob Brooks, who convinced Munsen to coach the girls basketball team in 1989.

“I’d have to consider this one of my most rewarding years as a coach. Not just for myself but for all of the other coaches

in school who worked with this bunch of kids as they came up through the system.”

— Munsen following the 1988 Kernel boys season.

“

There’s no better place to be than Mitchell for athletics and there’s no better place for me than coaching basketball.

Gary Munsen March 8, 1996

” “When (former assistant Keith) Sterling and I first started coaching the girls in 1989, we decided that we were going to treat them just like the boys’ program. It was a struggle for the first five weeks, but we’ve been in the finals the past five years.

It takes a lot of hard work for the success we’ve had.”

— Munsen following the 1994 girls state championship, the third in a five-year span where the Kernels made the title game each year.

“I was there for the visits of seven of the nine coaches that came to his home. I was very impressed with Donovan. He really brings an enthusiasm for the game.”

— Munsen in Nov. 1997 when Mike Miller committed to Florida, in large part due to his relationship with then 31-yearold Gator coach Billy Donovan. Miller picked Florida over Kentucky and Kansas.

May the peace which comes from the memories we have all shared bring us comfort now and in the days ahead.

2000 West Havens Street, Mitchell 996-9607

001369101r1

“Maybe, maybe not.”

— Munsen in Dec. 1997 on whether or not his 25th season as Mitchell’s boys basketball coach would be his last. Munsen would coach for another 14 seasons.

“He plays the game all the time and knows what he has to do. He’s just going to improve.”

— Munsen in June 1996 on Mike Miller, who grew two inches to 6-foot-8 before his sophomore year.

“It’s one of those that you just like to call a forfeit rather than go up there to play.”

— Munsen prior to the 1986 boys championship game against Brookings, saying that the Bobcats’ home gym was a tough place to play, a feeling many reciprocated about having to play in the Corn Palace.

“There must be a reason why they’re booing us.”

— Munsen in March 1997 after Mitchell won its eighth boys championship under Munsen with a 47-35 victory over Sioux Falls Lincoln. Behind Mike Miller and company, the Kernels won their third title in four years.

“We just kept shooting it, and it wasn’t one kid. It was the whole lineup. It was just crank, crank, crank. It looked like midseason.”

— Munsen after a first round loss at the 2010 boys state tournament, where the sixth-seeded Kernels shot a dismal 1-of-16 on 3-pointers and lost to No. 3-seed Rapid City Central 76-60.

“I think this means a lot of people love this program and they love me, too.”

— Munsen said of the large crowd at his last regular season home game on Feb. 15, 2012.

16

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

MUNSEN’S MITCHELL Boys basketball 197 4 : 18- 7 , third place. A ll- tourney: S tev e K elsey. A ll- state: S tev e K elsey, first team; Rick Martin, third team.

197 5 : 17 - 5 , didn’ t q ualify. A ll- tourney: none. A llstate: T om Y oung, first team; J ill W right, second team.

197 6: 16- 7 , fifth place. A ll- tourney: J im W right.

A ll- state: J im W right first team, Phil Collins, second team.

197 7 : 9- 14 , six th place. A ll- tourney: B ud B artholow. A ll- state S cott F riedrick, second team 197 8: 14 - 9, fourth place. A ll- tourney: D an Case.

A ll- state: S cott F riedrick, first team, Randy S totz , second team.

197 9: 9- 11, didn’ t q ualify. A ll- tourney: none.

A ll- state: Mike Graham, second team; Mike Peschong, third team 1980 : 18- 5 , fifth place. A ll- tourney: Mike Peschong, Phil B reidenbach. A ll- state: Mike Peschong, first team.

1981: 9- 10 , didn’ t q ualify. A ll- tourney: none. A llstate: Phil B reidenbach, first team; J im Mayer, third team.

1982 : 7 - 12 , didn’ t q ualify. A ll- tourney: none. A llstate: J erry K enton, second team.

1983: 19- 4 , third place. A ll- tourney: J erry K enton, B art F riedrick. A ll- state: J erry K enton, first team; B art F riedrick, second team.

1984 : 2 2 - 1, first place. A ll- tourney: K yle A dams, B art F riedrick. A ll- state: B art F riedrick, first team; K yle A dams, second team; Chad A ndersen, third team.

1985 : 2 3- 0 , first place. A ll- tourney: unav ailable. A ll- state: B art F riedrick, first team; Chad A ndersen, first team; T im B yrd, first team.

YEAR-BY-YEAR RECORDS 1986: 2 1- 2 , first place. A ll- tourney: W es Morgan, D ean J acobsen. A ll- state: D ean J acobsen, first team; W es Morgan, second team.

1987 : 2 1- 3, third place. A ll- tourney: Mike S terner, W es Morgan. A ll- state: W es Morgan, first team; Mike S terner, second team.

1988: 16- 8, second place. A ll- tourney: D arin J acobsen, S cott Morgan. A ll- state: S cott Morgan, first team.

1989: 17 - 6, fourth place. A ll- tourney: S cott Morgan. A ll- state: S cott Morgan, first team.

1990 : 19- 5 , first place. A ll- tourney: S ean S tephens, Marty J acobsen. A ll- state: Marty J acobsen, first team.

1991: 2 0 - 3, first place. A ll- tourney: S ean S tephens, T yson T heeler. A ll- state: T yson T heeler, first team; J ason B erg, second team.

1992 : 17 - 6, fourth place. A ll- tourney: Chad N elson. A ll- state: T yson T heeler, first team.

1993: 16- 8, third place. A ll- tourney: T rav is B lase, Ryan Miller. A ll- state: Ryan Miller, second team.

1994 : 19- 5 , first place. A ll- tourney: D an A ndersen, Ryan Miller. A ll- state: Ryan Miller, first team; J arrett A ndersen, second team.

1995 : 15 - 9, sev enth place. A ll- tourney: D an A ndersen. A ll- state: D an A ndersen, second team.

1996: 2 1- 2 , first place. A ll- tourney: Mike Miller, J ared Miller, B rett T heeler. A ll- state: Mike Miller, first team, J ared Miller, second team.

1997 : 19- 4 , first place. A ll- tourney: Mike Miller, T om Y oung, J ason A ckman. A ll- state: Mike Miller, first team; J ackson A ckman, second team.

1998: 19- 5 , fourth place. A ll- tourney: Mike Miller, E rnie K uyper. A ll- state: Mike Miller, first team.

1999: 18- 5 , second place. A ll- tourney: T om Cogley, T ony Y oung. A ll- state: T ony Y oung, first team.

Girls basketball 1989: 18- 6, fourth place. A ll- tourney: Ronda Morgan. A ll- state: K ris H uber, second team.

1990 : 2 2 - 2 , first place. A ll- tourney: Ronda Morgan, E licia J ones. A ll- state: Ronda Morgan, first team; K ris H uber, first team.

1991: 17 - 6, second team. A ll- tourney: Carrie K ippes, B eth O mmen. A ll- state: B eth O mmen, first team; Carrie K ippes, second team.

1992 : 2 3- 0 , first place. A ll- tourney: B eth O mmen, E rin O lson. A ll- state: B eth O mmen, first team.

1993: 2 2 - 1, second place. A ll- tourney: N ancy O mmen, E rin O lson. A ll- state: E rin O lson, first team; N ancy O mmen, first team.

1994 : 2 3- 0 , first place. A ll- tourney: N ancy O mmen, E rin O lson. A ll- state: N ancy O mmen, first team; E rin O lson, first team.

1995 : 15 - 9, second place. A ll- tourney: Rav en Morgan, J odie D ierks. A ll- state: Melinda O ster, second team.

1996: 10 - 11, didn’ t q ualify. A ll- tourney: none.

A ll- state: none.

1997 : 11- 9, didn’ t q ualify. A ll- tourney: none. A llstate: Randi Morgan, second team.

1998: 8- 11, eighth place. A ll- tourney: unav ailable. A ll- state: Randi Morgan, second team.

1999: 12 - 11, six th place. A ll- tourney: Randi Morgan. A ll- state: Randi Morgan, first team.

2 0 0 0 : 19- 4 , second place. A ll- tourney: J enna H offman, T ara Miller. A ll- state: J eana H offman, second team.

2 0 0 1: 2 2 - 1, third place. A ll- tourney: T ara Miller, J eana H offman. A ll- state: J enna H offman, first team; T ara Miller, second team.

222 wins, 71 losses Mitchell totals: 864 wins, 339 losses Marion totals: 38 wins, 24 losses Career total: 902 wins, 363 losses

Gone, but not forgotten.

We’re sharing your sorrow.

001369083r1

Thanks for the memories, Coach.

2 0 0 0 : 16- 8, fifth place. A ll- tourney: J acq son Collins, Matt Culhane. A ll- state: Matt Culhane, second team.

2 0 0 1: 17 - 7 , six th place. A ll- tourney: J acq son Collins, Matt A ckman. A ll- state: J acq son Collins, first team; Matt A ckman, second team.

2 0 0 2 : 12 - 9, did not q ualify. A ll- tourney: none.

A ll- state: none.

2 0 0 3: 18- 5 , six th place. A ll- tourney: T rev or McCormick, Ryan K rome. A ll- state: T rev or McCormick, first team.

2 0 0 4 : 16- 8, third place. A ll- tourney: Ryan K rome, S tan J ohnson. A ll- state: Ryan K rome, second team.

2 0 0 5 : 2 0 - 4 , first place. A ll- tourney: Ryan K rome, J on Christensen, Phil J ohnson. A ll- state: Ryan K rome, first team.

2 0 0 6: 9- 15 , eighth place. A ll- state: J on Christensen.

2 0 0 7 : 9- 15 , six th place. A ll- state: J ustin B rown, second team.

2 0 0 8: 18- 7 , second place. A ll- tourney: J ordan Miller, S tephen Peschong. A ll- state: J ordan Miller, first team.

2 0 0 9: 14 - 12 , sev enth place. A ll- tourney: B rett Y oung. A ll- state: B rett Y oung.

2 0 10 : 12 - 14 , eighth place. A ll- tourney: B rett V ictor. A ll- state: S am F osness, second team.

2 0 11: 2 1- 4 , second place. A ll- tourney: T ucker V olesky, J ade Miller, N ick Y oung. A ll- state: T ucker V olesky, first team; N ick Y oung, second team.

2 0 12 : 2 1- 4 , second place. A ll- tourney: J ade Miller, B rady Max well.

642 wins, 268 losses

700 East Kay Ave. • Mitchell, SD 57301 • 605-996-RIDE (7433)

109 E. Railroad St. • White Lake • 605-249-2212

www.sabersvictory.com

001368835r1

OUR SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO THE MUNSEN FAMILY

THANKS COACH FOR ALL YOU DID Steakhouse & Lounge

601 E. HAVENS MITCHELL, SD 57301 | 605-996-7565 001369043r1

There never was anyone quite like Coach Munsen and never will be again.

He was a true original.

100 N. Sanborn • Mitchell 605-996-5002 • 1-800-491-5003 www.agddoors.com 001369090r1

Continued from Page 3

In April of 2013, Munsen was inducted to the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. Munsen trails only Larry Luitj ens, a longtime Custer and De Smet coach, in boys basketball victories.

Munsen finished his career with 672 wins. Luitj ens retired with 748 wins in boys basketball.

Following his retirement in 2012, Munsen was succeeded in coaching by a former player, Tom Y oung.

“He was Mitchell basketball,” said Y oung, who coached the Kernels for one year. “Beyond his gruff and tough exterior, Gary had a really soft heart, especially his love for his family is what really impressed me. To me, that means more than the basketball part of it.”

Munsen has twice been nominated for the national boys basketball coach of the year. The South Dakota Sportswriters Association chose him as the state boys high school coach of the year three times ( 1986, 1996 and 2005 ) and he won the girls award twice ( 1993 and 2001) . He is a member

of the halls of fame of the state high school coaches association and the state boys basketball coaches association, as well as Dakota State U niversity.

The following are excerpts of a profile story that published in February 2012, prior to Munsen’s final regular-season home game:

White Lake native As a child, Munsen lived in a four-bedroom house with his brothers and his parents, Charles and Haz el, in White Lake. The house had no indoor bathrooms — only an outhouse.

Gary Munsen was not born in a hospital, but in the house on the farm where he grew up. His father farmed about 65 0 acres, and everyone helped with chores.

The Munsens planted and harvested crops and raised pigs and cattle, but sports were Munsen’s main love. Some of his first basketball memories are of being brought to Mitchell by his father to watch Kernels athletics. In 195 5 , Munsen went to the Huron Arena and witnessed his first state basketball tournament. He was 13 years old, and his father brought him nearly each year thereafter.

“I had great parents,” Munsen

said. “They were hardnosed.”

Munsen’s organiz ed basketball career began when he was a fifth-grader. By the time he was a freshman, he was a standout and was coming off the bench during White Lake varsity games. He was playing for coach Jim O’Boyle, a Huron College graduate and ex-Marine.

O’Boyle coached football, basketball, track and baseball.

“He coached like he was a drill sergeant in the Marines, which was good,” Munsen said. “He was the one who really got me interested in being a coach.”

Munsen started his sophomore, j unior and senior seasons on the basketball team. He was an allstate player in both basketball and football.

Munsen could have taken over part ownership of the family farm, but an offer from O’Boyle during Munsen’s j unior year changed his life.

O’Boyle asked Munsen if he wanted to coach the fifth- and sixth-grade basketball team during his final two years of high school.

Munsen gladly accepted.

One of Munsen’s early pupils was former Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball player and coach

Jim Martin, also a White Lake native. Martin, who coached at DWU from 1983 to 1987, grew up about two miles from Munsen, and their parents were friends.

“He was j ust one of those guys who needed to be a coach,” Martin said. “He’s so good with kids and working with them. All of his players are always disciplined.”

White Lake never made the state tournament during Munsen’s time there.

Chamberlain was too good and the rival town was always in the same district or region.

“My j unior and senior years, I had the green light,” Munsen said. “I could shoot it when I wanted.”

College days Munsen decided Dakota Wesleyan was the right place to play collegiate basketball, but his career there didn’t last long.

DWU ’s most successful men’s basketball coach was Gordon Fosness, and his first year with the Tigers was in the fall of 1961, Munsen’s first and only year at the Mitchell college.

Munsen’s father got sick during the middle of the school year, causing Munsen to return home

17

to help the family milk cows. After that, Munsen worked on the railroad for a year. He said he decided to work instead of returning to school, so he could “purchase a nice, newer car.”

When he finally got back into basketball, he went to General Beadle State Teachers College, now known as Dakota State U niversity, in Madison. Munsen had some friends playing basketball at the university, where he earned a degree with a double maj or in business and physical education.

He j oined coach E d Harter’s basketball team immediately, but there wasn’t much playing time for the former White Lake star.

Mostly, he sat on the bench.

Like O’Boyle, Harter was a disciplined coach. Harter led General Beadle to two conference titles when Munsen was with the team from 1963 to 1966.

“I learned a lot from E d Harter,” Munsen said. “He was a very, very good mentor. I loved his practices. He was outstanding.”

During Munsen’s senior year, Harter asked him to coach the school’s j unior varsity basketball team and be an assistant on the See MUNSEN, Page 18

Coach Gary Munsen

It's hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.

Thank you for all that you did!

His legacy will live on forever OPEN DAILY AT 10:30AM

996-1010

CORNER OF 5TH & SANBORN MITCHELL, SD 57301

001368816r1

MUNSEN

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

Words are not adequate to express the sorrow the community feels with the loss of Coach Munsen.

207 S. Main White Lake 605-249-2444

With our deepest sympathy Kongo Klub 4901 North Main - Mitchell, SD

18

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

MUNSEN

increase. Bud Y opp was the school board president, and his son, Danny Y opp, was going to be a senior at Marion the next fall.

“Y opp stands up … and he said, ‘ Well, coach, if you’re going to be the head coach in basketball this fall, you will start my son and he will play a lot. If you don’t want to do that, you’re going to be the assistant coach, and we’ll find a new head coach,’ ” Munsen said.

“I was dumbfounded. But I j ust got up, found my contract and ripped it in half. I dropped it right in the trash can.”

Munsen said he felt forced to resign, so he considered it a firing.

Continued from Page 17

varsity squad. From there, his coaching took flight.

N o stats on Munsen’s collegiate playing career are available, according to the Dakota State U niversity sports information staff.

Young coach After dabbling in coaching as a high school student, and then getting another coaching position in college, Munsen knew what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.

He wanted to coach.

Fresh out of college, he was offered a j ob with Marion High School; his contract for teaching six classes and coaching three sports was approximately $ 3,800.

Today, he earns about $ 7,000 annually for being Mitchell’s basketball coach. He isn’t otherwise employed by the school.

At Marion, he was the assistant football coach, head track coach and, of course, head boys basketball coach. One of his boys track and field teams finished second at the state meet, although

Mitchell

Republic file photo

Gary Munsen looks on during a ceremony at the Corn Palace following his last regular season home game in F ebruary 2 0 12 .

Munsen admits he didn’t know what he was doing.

“All I knew was run like h—and turn left,” Munsen said.

In the spring of 1969, Munsen

was due for a contract renewal.

Back then, Munsen said the teachers would negotiate in front of the school board, superintendent and secretary for a salary

Two choices were presented to Munsen after leaving Marion. He could either take a j ob in Mitchell to teach business classes, or he could go to N orthern State U niversity and do graduate work under Bob Wachs.

Munsen and his first wife, Cheri, moved to Mitchell on the Fourth of July, 1969. Munsen said he made about $ 10,000 in his first year at Mitchell. The late Bob Brooks, the principal at the

middle school, claimed credit for the hire.

Munsen taught general business at the middle school for four years and coached eighth grade basketball for one year, freshmen basketball for two years, sophomore basketball for one year and earned the varsity j ob in the spring of 1973. He also coached sub-varsity football and track.

Munsen said it was a tough decision to take over the varsity team in Mitchell, knowing the expectations and pressure that came with the j ob. But Cheri convinced him to agree to the position.

“She told me if I didn’t take the j ob, I’d regret it,” Munsen said. “I was worried about getting fired.”

Cheri and Gary Munsen were married for 27 years prior to Cheri’s death to breast cancer.

They had four children: Scott, Stacey, Shana and Sam. In the Kernels’ first year under Munsen, they went 18-7 and took third place at the state tournament.

It took Mitchell 11 years to win a state championship under Munsen, who said he continued practicing with his players until See MUNSEN, Page 19

a great coach, a great competitor, a great teacher, a great person, a great friend

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm 1510 S. Burr St. • Mitchell, SD 57301 605-996-1042 1-800-371-1042 001368821r1

• Remembering Munsen • January 2016

MUNSEN

become. Miller went on to play collegiately at the University of Florida and is now in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets.

Continued from Page 18 “Coach Munsen is unbelievable for growing kids as people and as basketball playhe was about 50. The Kernels missed the ers,” Miller said. “He makes it easier on state tournament four times in Munsen’s them in everyday life, not just basketball.” first nine seasons.

Other years that the boys team won titles The boys team has won nine state titles under Munsen were 1986, 1990, 1991 and under Munsen, including the renowned 2005.

1985 team that went 23-0. That year was That success brought notoriety to sandwiched between two other state titles.

Munsen, and other programs noticed. He In that three-year run, the Mitchell boys received several job offers at different levwent 66-3.

Bart Friedrick was a member of the 1984 els, including Dakota Wesleyan University and South Dakota State. and 1985 state chamHe once took a trip to pion teams. He was an Wisconsin and was hired The numbers: all-state selection both for a job, but he declined seasons and went on to • 39 years coaching the offer. play four years of Division the Mitchell varsity boys Instead of leaving, I college basketball at basketball team. Munsen, he added to his duties.

Drake. the varsity boys coach In the spring of 1989, Friedrick, who holds from 1974 to 2012, Brooks hired Munsen to the school record for be the head girls basketcoached basketball for a best field goal percentball coach at Mitchell. At age in his high school total of 47 years. that time, girls basketball career at 63 percent, said • 12 combined state was played in the fall and Munsen’s relationship championships. Munsen the boys played in the with his players is the won nine state boys winter. reason he’s had so much championships and three “I said ‘no’ about success. state girls titles.

17,000 times,” Munsen “Coaching is something • 902 career varsity said. “He finally finagled he loved to do,” Friedrick boys and girls wins. In me to do it one way or said. “He could have 1985, Munsen led the another.” coached at most colleges, Kernel boys to a perfect Had it not been for the but Mitchell is who he season switch in 2002, 23-0 season, beating is.” when girls basketball In 1994, Munsen opponents by an average moved to the winter, brought up an of nearly 23 points that Munsen said he still eighth-grader to the varyear. He later called the believes he would be sity who would eventually undefeated team his best coaching girls basketball. become one of South ever.

The MHS girls made Dakota’s most recognized the state tournament sports figures. in 11 of 13 years under Mike Miller was part Munsen, who retired from teaching in of three Mitchell state basketball champi2000. After teaching business classes for onships in 1994, 1996 and 1997. He was many years, he had transitioned to teachan all-state selection three times and still ing driver’s education. holds five school records, including most Under Munsen, the girls team won the points in a game (54), most points in a seastate tournament in 1990, 1992 and 1994. son (689), most points in a career (1,743), Those three years were part of a run in most rebounds in a season (317) and most which Mitchell made six straight state rebounds in a career (826). championship games.

Miller credits Munsen for the player he’s

Thanks Coach, for everything you did for our community!

001369095r1

“No written word, no spoken plea, can teach our youth what they should be, nor all the books on the shelves, it is what the teachers are themselves.” ~John Wooden

996-0958 001369736r1

PAINT & BODY 600 Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301 Phone:(605) 996-8444

19

3115 W. Havens Mitchell

dougscustom.com

20

Remembering Munsen • January 2016 •

MITCHELL MITCHELL MITCHELL MITCHELL MITCHELL MITCHELL MITCHELL MITCHELL MITCHELL MITCHELL KERNELS KERNELS KERNELS KERNELS KERNELS KERNELS KERNELS KERNELS KERNELS KERNELS STATE “A” STATE “A” STATE “AA” STATE “AA” STATE “AA” STATE “AA” STATE “AA” STATE “AA” STATE “AA” STATE “AA” BOYS & GIRLS BOYS & GIRLS BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS GIRLS BOYS BOYS BOYS BASKETBALL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL BASKETBALL CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS 1990 1994 1984 1985 1986 1991 1992 1996 1997 2005

Gary Munsen COACH.MENTOR.TEACHER.ROLE MODEL. Thanks for everything, Coach!

You will be missed!

-The Entire Mitchell Kernel Community

001368804r1