Ordinary and Extraordinary

HOF hoops coach Dave Birks retires from SCC
Seated four rows up from center court in the Toreador Gym on the campus of Boone High School, former South Central Calhoun head girls’ basketball coach Dave Birks sat for a moment following the SCC boys’ basketball team’s final game of the 2018-19 season. It was on February 19, a 72-69 loss at the hands of Madrid in the District 12 championship game.
His expressions were stoic, yet his eyes held emotion from the moment.
Birks, who had seen success since taking over the Lytton girls’ basketball team in 1988, was a witness to his youngest of three children’s last high school hoops game.
Jared, who will go to Iowa State to further his education this fall, had a dandy against the Tigers. Jared had hauled in a double-double for the Titans, with 14 points and 10 rebounds, alongside his four assists and four steals.
Even though there were still more games to be played, as his oldest daughter Haley’s Northwestern College Red Raiders had yet to make their stellar run in the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Tournament, it was a sign of the times.
It was a sign of transition.
Another sign came on May 31, Birks held his final classes in the halls of SCC Middle School in Rockwell City. It was the final day of teaching for Birks, who had been in education for 36 years.
For the full story, see this week's edition of The Graphic-Advocate. Subscribe by calling 1-800-558-1244 extension 122, or email Deb at circulation@midamericapub.com.