In honor of the recent passing of legendary Miami Dolphins head football coach Don Shula, this week’s ‘Will’ful Thinking will highlight the most influential coach(es) of former Owensville Dutchmen football coaches Shane Hunt and Paul Day.

These gentlemen responded after last week’s deadline and their responses will be included below.

First to chime in this week is former assistant coach Shane Hunt.

Soon to be a Dutchgirl assistant softball coach under Hannah Wehar, Hunt reflected on last year’s staff as his most influential.

In spite of growing up in Bourbon which did not have high school football, Hunt had plenty of praise for last fall’s coaching staff.

“Coach (Nathan) Cabot has a brain full of playbook knowledge,” Hunt said. “He also has a real love for the game and fills the shoes of a head coach dutifully.”

Hunt also had high praise for fellow assistant coach Casey Fisher.

“Coach Fisher has been 100 percent dedicated to this district and it’s athletics for a long time and it shows on the field,” Hunt said. “He took me under his wing and always had good advice and knowledge to share.”

In addition to Cabot and Fisher, Hunt highlighted Dustin Howard’s coaching abilities.

“Coach Howard rises hours before the sun comes up to make sure he’s in a position to get the team physically fit,” Hunt said. “He’s a professional in the weight room and on the field with the players. They respect him and are willing to go the extra mile for him.

Fellow first-year assistant Steven Kemp also earned high praises from Hunt.

“Coach Kemp joined me as a first-year coach and knows how to build relationships with coaches and players alike,” Hunt said. “ We both took the time to help improve the game of the younger JV players and had a great time doing it.”

Former Dutchmen and current Pacific Indian head football coach Paul Day also offered up his most influential coach.

“My high school coach Ron Gundry is the most influential coach I ever played for,” Day said. “He taught the “Real” lessons athletics should teach and all his players are better men because of being mentored by him.”

Former Dutchmen head coach Randy Crowe’s picks will be highlighted in next week’s Republican.