Memory-Diana Oerzen

Mr. Quinn was my basketball coach for eight years

Favorite Quinnie Memory or Story

It is really hard for me to choose just one memory of Mr. Quinn. For eight years, every game, practice and team gathering was always so much fun and constant laughs. One memory that still manages to make me laugh happened on the way to an away game. Mr. Quinn drove me to every away game and always had us laughing the entire ride. Whether he was playing oldie songs or making jokes, he always managed to have me and the rest of the car hysterical. One ride I was sitting in the front seat with him and we pulled up to a car at a red light. Mr. Quinn happened to really like the song they were listening to. He liked it so much that he dared me roll down my window and ask the old man in the car what station it was on. This may not seem funny, but to me, probably the shyest girl on the team, seeing this old man’s face when I asked him what station was on, was priceless. I don’t think Mr. Quinn really thought I was going to do it but when I did he couldn’t stop laughing either. I’m pretty sure we won the game we played after that ride, which for our team was pretty rare, but it is one ride I will never forget, as Mr. Quinn is one coach that could never be forgotten.
Favorite Quinnie Characteristic

My favorite Mr. Quinn characteristic was his devotion and dedication. I did not only witness this dedication to my team for the eight years we were together, but to his family and friends as well. Just by being around him, it was clear that Kaitlyn and Mrs. Quinn were his life. I remember one conversation with him, we were at practice and we were standing on the sidelines, and Kaitlyn made one of her long shots, and he was just so proud to be her dad, he didn’t need to say anything, I could read it all in his face. He possessed this genuine goodness about him, which just made you want to be around him, made you want to be in his car on the way to the game. He was an amazing man and I know for a fact he will never be forgotten by anyone who was blessed enough to have known him.
Memorable Trips, Events, Occasions, etc.

To me every game and practice was memorable. I just remember rushing to finish my homework so I could go to practice and hating to see my parents in the gym because that meant practice was over. I loved every moment spent being around Mr. Quinn and I’m sure that the rest of the girls feel the same. Most coaches that had a team like ours probably would have quit after the first season, but Mr. Quinn never gave up on us and always remained dedicated and devoted.
Final Thoughts and Farewell

Mr. Quinn was one in a kind, and will never be forgotten. He touched so many lives and brought smiles to so many faces. He was involved in your life and truly cared. I know that I couldn’t have asked for a better coach, and I was so blessed to have known him. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers as well as his entire family, especially Mrs. Quinn and Kaitlyn. I know that his memory will be passed on for generations and generations, because he was just that special. I love you Mr. Quinn.