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Tri-Valley coach Dean Leuning dies
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Published: 07/7/05
Longtime Tri-Valley High School girls basketball coach Dean Leuning died at Rapid City Regional Medical Center late Wednesday, according to a hospital spokesman.
Leuning had been admitted to the hospital in critical condition after suffering a heart attack Tuesday. A day earlier, he suffered cracked ribs when he was thrown from a horse as he set out on a trail ride. Leuning, his wife, Janelle, and their two sons had spent the Fourth of July weekend camping near Custer.
Leuning coached 17 years at Tri-Valley and led the Mustangs to the 2003 state title, the first earned by the school in any sport. His career record 295-87 at Tri-Valley ranks 15th all time for career victories among South Dakota girls basketball coaches. He also served as Tri-Valley's athletic director and assistant track coach. . . .
"He really was a very successful coach, as seen in his record," Eckstaine said. "But the biggest thing is he was successful in building relationships with his players and students. That was his greatest attribute."
News of Leuning's death had made its way through the school district by this morning. A memorial from the school has not yet been determined, according to the superintendent.
Leuning was a native of Hendricks, Minn., and a graduate of South Dakota State University.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, team, and students.
Tri-Valley coach Dean Leuning dies
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Published: 07/7/05
Longtime Tri-Valley High School girls basketball coach Dean Leuning died at Rapid City Regional Medical Center late Wednesday, according to a hospital spokesman.
Leuning had been admitted to the hospital in critical condition after suffering a heart attack Tuesday. A day earlier, he suffered cracked ribs when he was thrown from a horse as he set out on a trail ride. Leuning, his wife, Janelle, and their two sons had spent the Fourth of July weekend camping near Custer.
Leuning coached 17 years at Tri-Valley and led the Mustangs to the 2003 state title, the first earned by the school in any sport. His career record 295-87 at Tri-Valley ranks 15th all time for career victories among South Dakota girls basketball coaches. He also served as Tri-Valley's athletic director and assistant track coach. . . .
"He really was a very successful coach, as seen in his record," Eckstaine said. "But the biggest thing is he was successful in building relationships with his players and students. That was his greatest attribute."
News of Leuning's death had made its way through the school district by this morning. A memorial from the school has not yet been determined, according to the superintendent.
Leuning was a native of Hendricks, Minn., and a graduate of South Dakota State University.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, team, and students.