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“He touched everyone around him:” Whitefish Bay mourns death of long-time football coach, Jim Tietjen
"He touched everyone around him:" Whitefish Bay mourns death of long-time football coach, Jim Tietjen
WHITEFISH BAY -- Whitefish Bay Coach Jim Tietjen has died after battling brain cancer this season.
Tietjen spent more than a decade on the sidelines for the Whitefish Bay Blue Dukes, winning more than half of his games. He was a beloved coach, and his players say he was an "old school" sort of coach, who showed them perseverance and strength -- even when it was difficult.
"It`s just been a somber day at school," Van Bassindale, Whitefish Bay running back said.
"He really cared about his players -- and them as human beings. He really tried to connect with everyone and make them better people," Matt Bernstein, Whitefish Bay defensive back said.
Whitefish Bay Coach Jim Tietjen
Tietjen passed away on Monday, November 30th. He was 61 years old.
"I think he touched everyone around him and everyone who knew him," Teddy Webber, Whitefish Bay center and linebacker said.
The team captains describe Tietjen as an old school coach -- committed to his team.
"He really did leave a legacy here and definitely a program that when he started here wasn`t the same as when he left," Macklin Kortebein, Whitefish Bay running back and outside linebacker said.
Many on the team learned about Tietjen's cancer the day before their first practice this season.
Despite his illness, he still showed up on game days.
"It just showed us if he could do that, then we could push a little harder in the game that night as well," Matt Bernstein said.
Tietjen passed away as players took part in their football banquet. He died on Monday morning, but his family didn't want the team to know until the very end of the banquet. They wanted to make sure the kids enjoyed the night -- because that's what Tietjen would have wanted.
"He gave it all the way until the end and that`s what he`s taught. Just fight until the end. Win or lose -- just give it your all," Van Bassindale said.
Jim Tietjen
Below is the complete statement released by the Whitefish Bay School District regarding Tietjen's passing:
Whitefish Bay High School Athletic Director John Gustavson stated:
Whitefish Bay High School Principal Amy Levek stated:
Jim Tietjen