Something Mel Vaara did or said while coaching former Clarkston resident Dave Funk as a freshman in 1960-61 on the undefeated Clarkston High School junior varsity basketball team must have worn off.
After his family moved to Florida after his freshman year, Funk went on to star as a high school player. He played in college at Edison Community College, graduated from Florida Atlantic University and returned to high school basketball as a coach. This season Funk passed a coaching milestone as he eclipsed the 500-win plateau.
‘I just wanted to coach. The background I got in Michigan with Mel set me up well for that,? Funk said.
After 29 years in coaching he now has 508 wins. His Cape Coral High School team, which plays in class 5A and has 2200 students, went 19-7 this year and lost in districts.
Over the years Funk has gained perspective.
‘You have to take the good with the bad. If you are coaching long enough you are going to have ups and downs,? Funk said.
Recently Vaara and his former charge were reunited by chance when Vaara, vacationing in Florida caught wind of Funk’s accomplishments and showed up to watch Cape Coral play.
According to Vaara, Funk was very surprised to see his old coach in the house.
Prep success seems to run in the Funk family as Dave’s older brother, Charlie, has also eclipsed 500 victories in Florida. Charlie has 580 victories over 35 years. He played basketball at Clarkston in his senior year under original coach Dom Mauti.
Both Funk brothers are planning to retire at the end of the school year this year. Together they hold a national record for most victories by brothers.