OT: Madrid football coach dies

[StormHawk42]

Anyone who follows Iowa HS football is familiar with Coach Hinkel and his wishbone offense. Seemed like he was there forever but I have no idea how long it actually was.

Apparently died of a heart attack.

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

One of my Dad's golfing buddies and good friends. T's & P's to his family.

 

[Kurt Warner]

Wow, have seen him interviewed many times on sports on the news. Sad to hear.

 

[Herkmeister]

How old? 59 or so? Sad to hear. He was one heck of a coach for sure. T's & P's to his family, friends, students & players. Way too young.

 

[Herkmeister]

Talks the Wishbone

 

[09Hawk]

I played for Hinkel a little over 10 years ago. He was well respected in Madrid. My thoughts go out to his family, it has to be tough to lose a family member unexpectedly this close to the holidays.

 

[fezzador]

I also played for him back in the mid 90s (never played varsity though... I probably should have been cut after 1st practice, heh.) Huge guy, he was probably in the neighborhood of 6'4 or 6'5 and built like a bull. If you played for him (or hell, took one of his classes) you were wise to stay on his good side.

That said, he was the heart and soul of MHS athletics, no question. It'll be tough to maintain the success for sure.

 

[ANYCHawk]

R.I.P. Rafael Benítez

 

[ahawkfan91]

One former player currently on the roster, ane one current player committed for next year.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/st...2/21/madrid-coach-randy-hinkel-dies/77692464/

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

R.I.P. Rafael Benítez

What a stupid post.

 

[ClearwaterHawkI]

What a stupid post.

 

[EZ2BJZ]

Coach Hinkel arrived in Madrid in the late 80s. Prior to Hinkel, Madrid was a joke in football. I remember my uncles talked about playing Madrid in the 1970s and said they could smell the booze on the players' breaths during the game. They beat Madrid soundly.

Like within 2-3 seasons of taking over, however, Hinkel took Madrid to a state runner up finish in 1990 and won state the following year in 1991. For some odd reason, he never could win another championship despite numerous championship game appearances after the 1991 season. Regardless, Hinkel created a culture there of respect and discipline that lasted two and a half decades.

Very surprised and saddened to hear he has passed away.

 

[EZ2BJZ]

I also played for him back in the mid 90s (never played varsity though... I probably should have been cut after 1st practice, heh.) Huge guy, he was probably in the neighborhood of 6'4 or 6'5 and built like a bull. If you played for him (or hell, took one of his classes) you were wise to stay on his good side.

That said, he was the heart and soul of MHS athletics, no question. It'll be tough to maintain the success for sure.

Lol, yes, for sure. He was very intimidating and many thought he was a prick but I don't know of too many people who didn't respect him.

 

[icu81222]

Had the chance to chat over beers a couple hours with him a year or 2 ago. Had run into him previously at various events over the years. Was a good guy. Didn't big time anyone in spite of his success.

Need more good leaders.

 

[wld4hwks]

Coached againts Randy when he was at Loraville in basketball. Not much of a BB coach but he showed me their weight room and was so very proud. Good person to coach against and always gave me the time of day. Prayers go out to his family.

 

[IACentralHawk73]

I live in Madrid and knew Randy for a long time, one of a kind leader and one of a kind person, the whole community is mourning, very similar reaction to when Coach Thomas at AP died, totally stunned.

 

[fezzador]

Lol, yes, for sure. He was very intimidating and many thought he was a prick but I don't know of too many people who didn't respect him.

Well, he wasn't Bud Kilmer either. He was probably more like Nick Saban personality-wise - not super approachable, not easy to impress, and not one to sugarcoat things, but if there was one guy a player or student would want to go up to bat for them, it'd be him. You'd be hard-pressed to find a former player that would not give him a glowing review.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

R.I.P. Rafael Benítez

When I opened this post that is what I thought too.

 

[EZ2BJZ]

Well, he wasn't Bud Kilmer either. He was probably more like Nick Saban personality-wise - not super approachable, not easy to impress, and not one to sugarcoat things, but if there was one guy a player or student would want to go up to bat for them, it'd be him. You'd be hard-pressed to find a former player that would not give him a glowing review.

I grew up and spent most of my formative years in the Madrid community. You're right, he was far from Bud Kilmer and despite his vices and personality quirks he was well liked and respected. The kids who didn't like him were usually the ones who didn't want to work or were jealous/irritated/whatever by the success and attention of the football team. I personally respected him and actually thought he was a pretty good teacher too.