My Coach

Background:  With the exception of my father, my high school basketball coach (Ray Yanchus) has been the most influential male in my life. Simply stated, he made me a better teammate, a tougher competitor, a much better player and a far better person. 

His confidence, his unrelenting conviction, his commitment to excellence, his lofty standards and his unwavering beliefs, mixed with his Marine mentality, made for a compelling presentation.  Many lessons were taught and most lessons were learned.

We reconnected over the past few years due to a chance encounter with one of his best friends, Jack Bicknell (see “Behind the Counter/Cowboy Jack”).  Our conversations were filled with laughter as he recounted players and experiences that I had long forgotten.  I would call every six-months or so to his home in Pinehurst, NC and would periodically mail hard copies of our Bad Golf Guy nonsense.  He was kind, giving the illusion he enjoyed our tales!

The Story:  In late September 2022, we visited our dear friends (John and Connie) in Pinehurst.  As we prepared for our nine-hour journey, I mentioned to Erin that I wanted to connect with “my” Coach when we were in town, as I was significantly beyond our typical six-month communication window.  We made certain that John and Connie were aware of the plans.

Due to the lapse in time, as well as “my” Coach’s declining health, Erin suggested that prior to barging in on “my” Coach, it might make sense to confirm that he is up for a visit.  Prior to making the phone call, I did a quick search of Pinehurst obituaries and discovered that he had passed.  I was devastated, in part because I didn’t keep in touch and in part because I wasn’t able to tell him, one last time, how much he meant to me.

We landed at John and Connie’s late on a Friday afternoon, not wanting to miss our dinner reservations at Dugan’s Pub.  Saturday morning, John and I were up and at ‘em early, running errands.  On our way back, within a mile of their home, I informed John that I no longer needed to carve out time to visit “my” Coach, as he had passed away.

John was saddened by my news.  He followed his concern by asking if I knew where “my” Coach had lived in Pinehurst.  I grabbed my phone, searched my contacts and shared the street name; Scioto Lane.  John slowed his vehicle to a standstill, turned his head and said, “we are on Scioto Lane”.  He then followed his initial question by requesting a street number.  I responded “74”.  John then pointed to a mailbox over my right-hand shoulder. The street number on the mailbox was eerily, 74 Scioto Lane! 

I would like to think that “my” Coach was sending a message, telling me not to worry, not to grieve and that he knew that I loved him! 

The population of Pinehurst is 17,224.

“Pinehurst, NC – Raymond G. Yanchus (“Coach”) of Pinehurst, NC passed away on June 21^st, 2020 due to complications of pneumonia.  He was 85.

He was raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA and attended Catholic school there. He joined the Marines right after high school and left three years later with the rank of Sergeant. He then used the GI Bill to be the first in his family to attend college (Wilkes College). Ray then taught High School Social Studies/Law at Jonathan Dayton Regional High School (JDRHS) in Springfield, NJ.  He coached football there early in his career, then transitioned to be their head basketball coach for 32 years. After ten years as basketball coach, he also became the golf coach at JDRHS, followed by his dream retirement in Pinehurst, NC.

Ray was larger than life and had a life story for almost every situation. He could recall very specific details about all the basketball games he coached. Back then, he was strict but fair. Then he had grandchildren that softened all of his edges and filled his heart.  He also loved the Pittsburgh Pirates, Johnny Unitas, John Wayne, Tiger Woods and Frank Sinatra.

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