Note – the following was written by former Grace College basektball player and All-American Matt Abernethy.
To some, Grace College men’s basketball coach Jim Kessler’s 700th win is a major milestone. To many of us, however, we know Coach Kessler’s accomplishments extend well beyond the win-loss column. Coach K’s impact has influenced countless summer campers, basketball players, students, support staff, area basketball coaches and families around the globe. To me, Coach Kessler is a man who took a risk, giving a troubled 20-year-old a chance to change his life. Although I had never heard of Grace College prior to talking to Coach, I committed to Grace when he promised to care more about me as a person than as a basketball player. He took a chance on me, he opened the door for me to have more life, he taught me life is about more than winning and losing, he guided me in how to deal with disappointment, he sacrificed countless hours asking me about life, he challenged me to get the most out of every situation. Most of all, he taught me that you can win all life has to offer – money, success, fame and victories – but all of this is meaningless without Christ. My story is not unique. So many of us owe so much to Coach for the impact he’s made in our lives. Thanks, Coach, for your investment in all of us! Your impact has been extended into all of our families, communities and around the globe. Congrats on your 700th victory, but more than this, thanks for your investment in our entire community.
