Relays renamed to honor longtime coaches
Staff writer
During Friday’s track meet in Marion, high school staff and students paid tribute to longtime coaches Rex Wilson, Grant Thierolf, and Deanna Thierolf.
Wilson died Feb. 1. His wife, Margaret, attended the ceremony in his stead.
“For 37 years, coach Rex Wilson was more than just a coach,” athletic director Jason Hett said. “He was a mentor, a motivator, a role model, and sometimes even a second parent to hundreds of student-athletes.
“Coach Wilson dedicated his career to building not only strong runners, jumpers, and throwers, but strong people.”
Wilson began his career at Marion during the 1964-’65 season.
The husband-wife Thierolf duo led the track and field program For more than 30 years, Both are retiring at the end of the track season.
Grant was named head coach of Warrior track in 1999. Deanna is one of the premier jump coaches in the state.
During her career, she has coached eight state champions and 47 state medalists. Grant has led the team to 14 league titles spanning three different high school leagues.
Between the three coaches, the Warriors have won 27 team league championships — not to mention countless medals, record breakers, and huge milestones over the years.
“Our student-athletes leave this program not just faster and stronger, but more confident, more resilient, and more compassionate — because of the lessons Coach Thierolfs and Coach Wilson instilled in them,” Hett said.
“So as a tribute, a symbol of everything Marion stands for, and a reminder, the Marion Relays will now be called the Thierolf / Wilson Relays.
Grant Thierolf thanked the school after the ceremony.
“We have been blessed with great young women and men and fantastic coaches who give their time and effort to have a successful track and field program,” he said.