Nov. 27, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College athletic department, along with many others, mourn the loss Doug Wabeke, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 65 years old on Saturday morning.
A legend is someone who leaves behind an unforgettable impression on others. They touch lives, they're remembered, they're cherished. There are all sorts of legends in this world – famous or not. Becoming one means finding your particular role, your calling, following it, and touching others around you.
Wabeke, more notably known by his friends as "Wabs", is the definition of a Raider legend. He was a player, a coach, a professor and an athletic director at GRCC, spanning over 30 years. But more than that, he was a friend, a teacher and a mentor to many former players, students and colleagues.
"Doug was an unbelievable boss and human being," said GRCC volleyball coach Chip Will. "He helped give me my start to college coaching. He believed in me and helped give our volleyball program the support to be successful. His laughter and personality could fill a room. I'm a better person and coach from having Doug as a friend and mentor."
Wabeke won over 500 games as head baseball coach at GRCC and led the Raiders to 14 conference titles, nine region titles, and four national championships, including the college's first ever national title in 1996. As a player, he was a two-time All American at GRCC before excelling at Central Michigan University and then playing professionally for five years. But it wasn't about all the accolades that the Hall of Famer earned during his lifetime that most people will remember him for. Many alumni and former colleagues have reached out to share their memories.
"Right now a lot of former players and coaches are hurting," said current GRCC baseball coach Mike Eddington. "No one was more passionate about winning than Doug when he played baseball and also as a coach. He also possessed great energy and passion for the game of the baseball. He will be missed greatly by many."
"It's been 23 years since, but I can still feel Wabs on my heels putting the pressure on as we were running flights of stairs at the GRCC fieldhouse," said former All-American pitcher Brandon Harmsen. "One of the few coaches who would do it with you to show you what's possible instead of telling you what to do. Sad news to hear, but I will forever feel grateful for his guidance during uncharted times. I would have not been able to fulfill my baseball dreams without him."
Former GRCC aquatics director and S.I.D. Joey Sutherlin had this to say once he found out the heart breaking news. "It's with a heavy heart I say goodbye to a coach, a mentor and a dear friend I thought was invincible. Wabs, you will always be my 'the man."
"I'm sure you and my dad are laughing and sharing baseball stories right now," said Karen Hofmann, the daughter of another Raider legend, Tom Hofmann, who passed away three years ago.
Former Mlive.com and Grand Rapids Press sportswriter Brian VanOchten said Wabs was one of the very best, "I had the privilege of getting to know him well and getting a look behind the scenes of the program. He did it the right way. He is a coaching giant and a great human being who will be sorely missed."
Former players, Josh Brandon and Josh Lown remember the toughness. Brandon called Coach "the man who taught you how to be mentally tough" and the best coach he's ever had. Lown remembers him as the coach that pushed him harder than he ever been pushed, and then pushed him even farther. He continued to say that coach taught him never to be scared of failure, and he loved every minute of it."
The funeral service for Doug will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Kragt officiating. Visitations will be held Friday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.
Obituary can be found here.
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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics? All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.
