A familiar face graced the sidelines of the Hastings girls soccer game this evening.
A very familiar face.
With the Spirit Bus parked just a few hundred feet away serving free hot dogs and a strong crowd in attendance, the Saxon soccer program took a moment before tonight’s home game against Sturgis to honor former longtime coach Tim Schoessel.
Though only a year removed from the program, Schoessel’s legacy still runs deep with his fingerprints left all over the program.
He began his coaching journey with the boy's JV team from 2009 to 2015, then took over varsity from 2016 to 2020. On the girls’ side, he led the team from 2013 all the way through 2024.
To celebrate his contributions, a number of former players returned to share in the tribute.
“I think the most important thing for me is I coached my replacements, which is so cool to see," Schoessel said. "Not just them, but some of the alumni out there have been my assistants through the years. Just coming back and seeing them pick up right where I left off.”
Though he’s stepped away, Schoessel admits the connection is hard to shake.
“I miss it, yes but it’s been nice to spend time with the family," he said. "I have young grandkids now and stuff. You miss the relationships you build with the girls and the boys and it was nice to have them come back. I miss just being around the kids.”
Now focused on his business and family life, Schoessel isn’t far from the action. Instead of pacing the sidelines, he gets to support from the stands as his former assistant, Megan Deal, leads the team.
“I told Megan when everything is set and she’s comfortable, I'll come back and help; whatever she needs me to do," he said.