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Steve Spicer, a true icon in
Michigan high school athletics, passed away Dec. 17 - an example to the end of the
coaching philosophy that guided Fowler High School teams, "Work hard - and play with
class."
Coach Spicer, 53, died following a prolonged battle with cancer that he had waged for
most of his adult life. His most recent hospitalization came in November, just days before
the football program he helped build brought home its fourth Class D State Championship in
the decade of the '90s.
Coach Spicer's too-short, but highly successful, coaching career spanned 27 years and
included numerous awards and honors from his peers, athletic professional organizations,
and the sports media. His football record of 201-49-1 culminated with the 1995 Class D
title game - his final coaching appearance. Reoccurrence of the cancer that plagued him
forced his retirement from the field of play the following season; he retired from
teaching in 1997.
He was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988,
and is a nominee for induction into the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of
Fame.
Born in Big Rapids, the community of Fowler was the true home of Coach Spicer -
although all of mid-Michigan claimed him for themselves.
Respected and well-liked by colleagues across the state, Spud may be best remembered
by fellow coaches who worked with him during his tenure with Fowler Public Schools.
Charlie Trierweiler, former Fowler varsity boys basketball coach who gave the
"rookie" his first coaching lessons: "We coached together, played cards
together, went fishing together - there are so many memories. Steve was as dedicated to
football - and to all the kids at Fowler High School - as anyone I've ever known. He loved
the game, and the people here."
Dennis Smith, Fowler teacher, assistant athletic director, and coach: "When I
came here in 1971, Steve immediately took me under his wing - he had me coaching within a
week. I'll never forget the wisdom he would show in different instances - I know I will
fall back on that often in years to come."
Tom O'Rourke, Fowler guidance counselor and coach: "One of the things that most
impressed me was Steve's love for Fowler. He could have coached anywhere - at any level.
He loved this place - plain and simple. He was extremely diplomatic, and always accepting
of other people's thoughts and feelings."
Neal Hoffman, Fowler teacher and head varsity football coach: "Spud was my mentor
- this is a tough time for all of us, especially those who were on the staff here and
coached with him. A side of Steve that maybe not that many people know about is how much
he did for his kids - not just the athletes on his teams, but all the students over all
the years. He wasn't just interested in how they did on the field, but wanted to know how
they were doing in all their classes and in concerns they had outside of school - being
there for them was important to Steve."
Neil Hufnagel, Waldon School Principle and assistant football coach: "Steve was
part of my life all through school. He was my math teacher, my varsity football coach - I
worked with him and for him on the coaching staff. He's always been the kind of person
I've tried to emulate in my own life. Steve touched the people not just here in Fowler,
but the whole community - he was a special person."
Kim Spalsbury, former Fowler teacher and coach: "Everyone who knew him, knew of
that intense competitive fire that burned within - a lesser person would never have made
it through what he has over the years. As athletic director, he was interested in
everybody's program - not just football. He made you feel like part of the Fowler athletic
family. Everything that Fowler athletics has grown to represent goes back to Spud."
Always more willing to pass the praise for Fowler's success on to those around him
than accept it for himself, Coach Spicer singled out his family as a key factor in his own
personal achievements - and reserved the highest praise for his wife, Becky. "She's
the true 'Wind Beneath My Wings,'" the coach said before reciting the song lyrics to
his companion at the dedication of Spicer Field - fittingly held on Mother's Day weekend,
1997.
Along with Becky, he is survived by his son, Mike - who is following in his father's
footsteps as a teacher and coach at Fowler - two daughters, Tammy (Randy) Bachert and
Tricia Spicer; and two grandchildren - who had Grandpa wrapped around their fingers -
Joshua and Lauren Bachert.
A complete obituary is contained in this issue, along with
a personal perspective on Coach Spicer.
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