Since next week is Valentine's Day, I wanted to share something about this guy. This is our engagement photo taken in 1973. After Dennis graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, KS, he taught music, counseled, and coached basketball for 39 years. It didn't matter where we went, one of his "kids" would always be there to run up and say hi to "Coach" or "Mr. McPhail." He was much more than a teacher/coach to many of his students and players. His friend list on Facebook is proof of that. He still keeps in touch with many of them. Even now, when we go back to KS for a visit, we almost always run into a former student.
I am a proud teacher/coach wife. I have heard so many compliments, both in person and written, by probably hundreds of students over the years, about how much my husband means to them and how he influenced their lives. It's been a blessing on top of all the other blessings of being his wife. (He's making dinner while I type this...) When he retired in 2018, Dennis decided he wanted to be a volleyball and basketball official. That was fine with me. I don't go to the games. Only once. That was enough. But something happened a couple weeks ago that made me smile and realize that he is still loved by students. After a game at a local Christian school, several of the girls basketball team ran up to him and said, "You are our favorite Ref!" What more could I ask in a Valentine? Happy Valentine's Day, Den and all my Clan. Tell somebody how much they mean to you on Friday. There's always room for more love. Be BLESSED.
2 Comments
Dennis Engbrecht
2/14/2020 05:47:41 pm
47 years ago I was a high school coach and teacher. I had the pleasure of coaching the most talented, tenacious, intensely competitive tennis player I have ever coached. Dennis McPhail was a joy to coach. He loved competition. It brought the best out of him in talent and in character. Those are the qualities that make for a good coach and a great teacher. There are few greater joys than making an impact on young, impressionable lives. It has been my calling for nearly a half century before retiring in 2019. Congratulations Dennis for the influence you continue to have on young lives. And congratulations for marrying such a godly, wonderful wife. She was an amazing student and an incredible helpmeet.
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J.A. McPhail
2/14/2020 07:37:45 pm
Wow! We are both honored, Mr. E. Thanks for your comments about Dennis and thanks for reading my blog! Teaching and coaching is a calling and I have to say that you were one of our favorite teachers and Den says he enjoyed being coached by you, too. He now plays with the senior gang here and with Dave Barkes, of course, whenever we get back to KS. Great to hear from you. BLESSINGS, Jeannie
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AuthorJ.A. McPhail is the author of five books, has been married to Dennis since 1974, enjoys living in the North Carolina mountains. and is an avid collector of books and book related stuff. Archives
December 2020
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