Coach K Pens Memoir of the “Kessinger Years”
Coach K’s emails to his players always end with “HUG YOUR LOVED ONES! TAKE THE LORD WITH YOU!” His signature “all caps” style represents much of his coaching philosophy: keep your priorities—faith, family, and character. He writes in all caps, for he wishes his messages to convey the passion of his intent---football contains life lessons we all need to heed. His passion for his job throughout his coaching tenure (1976-2003) at Bethany College is legendary. His accolades are many: 11-time conference coach of the year; 4-time NAIA District Coach of the Year; 10 playoff appearances and in his final season; a State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame induction and the National College Football Hall of Fame honoree. He is also a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame and the KCAC Champions of Character award is named in his honor. During his tenure, Ted Kessinger was the “winningest active coach in both percentage and total wins.” Even with all of this success, it is often a magical quality of Coach K that continues to bring his players back to his door. His ability to touch lives, inspire players, and win games is well known; however, it is his ability to always place people first that makes him memorable. Coach K remains in contact with many of his players today.
Coach K’s philosophy of recruiting young men from all walks and backgrounds and transforming them into young men of character fits well within the perspective of Bethany College. His memoir is a litany of individuals who are the bedrock of Bethany College culture, but Coach K has never been a man to celebrate his own accolades. “Good guys do finish first” if you note Ted. Coach K’s 28-year reign was so much more than successful seasons, championships, and awards. It is a patchwork of stories and experiences woven together with faith and character. His memoir is a collection of events, battles, and anecdotes, but more than that, it is a reflection of the man himself.
“I made a recruiting trip to a high school where one of my former players was coaching. I stopped by his classroom to say hello and asked him how he was doing. I remember to this day his response: ‘Coach I am really hurting’, and that did it for me. I went home and read the Christian book Purpose Driven Life and decided that I needed to stay in touch with my players, and be available.” (pg. 85)
In retirement, Coach K walks his dog Victory daily, lives life with his wife Nancy to the fullest, celebrates joy with his family, and supports Bethany College. Blue and gold still runs through his veins, and he continues his work for Bethany College. You can expect to see Ted on campus as he rallies support for campaigns, hear from him as he pens a note of concern, or see him as he appears on a sports Zoom on behalf of Bethany College. His memoir, a gathering of stories of Ted’s journey from athlete to coach to Bethany icon was completed earlier this year. It is available for purchase here→
Ted also continues to share inspiration with his players and contacts. If you wish to be included in his email list or to update your email contact, please reach out to Coach K by emailing him at the following: kessingerted@gmail.com. If you pass him on a walk or at an event, he will share a wry smile and a joke. His communications online will continue to share “HUG YOUR LOVED ONES! TAKE THE LORD WITH YOU!” If you wish to define influence, the “Kessinger Years” continue today. #BethanyBlessed
