Now in her 52nd season at Marathon, Funk has no plans of leaving.
In 1972, Title IX was passed, prohibiting discrimination based on gender in education programs. This led to the implementation of girls' sports in Marathon.
The superintendent called me and said, ‘We’re going to start girls’ sports in the league. Would you be interested in coaching field hockey?
Funk, a 1967 alum, took on the challenge, coaching field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and softball. She also became a P.E. teacher at Marathon, retiring in 2006, but continued to coach the field hockey team.
Author's summary: Coach Funk's legacy endures 52 seasons strong.