Gib Funk

One of the few coaches in the nation who can boast state championship teams in three different sports -- football, wrestling and baseball -- Funk served as an assistant or head coach for 37 years and never had a losing season in any sport and never lost a dual or triangular track meet. He also was an assistant coach on a fourth state title team and as head coach, he had one football and one baseball team finish second. He spent 20 years involved in multiple coaching assignments and during this period, the total number of coaching assignments on the track, diamond, field and mat numbered 49. But, coaching is just a part of Funk's accomplishments in high school activities. As an administrator, his efforts were instrumental in developing girls athletic programs at both the junior and senior high school levels in Colorado Springs.

"Sports were my life. The longer I participated, the more I liked them. I realized to progress you have to work hard and improve, but in doing so they become fun even when you lose. I would never have finished high school without athletics," Funk said.

"I loved my work and worked hard. I was amazed by the energy kids had and what they could do when they put their minds to it. My philosophy was that the kids had to believe in themselves, the sport, and their coaches, they always had to improve and have fun," he said. "I think activities are very important to have in schools. I have great admiration for what the High School Activities Association has done for girls programs."

Funk has received a number of honors for his work as an educator, coach and athletic administrator, and he was a member of seven professional organizations during his career.