Gretna Middle School reading teacher and High School head boys basketball coach Brad Feeken, known affectionately as “Coach Feek,” lost his battle with neuroendocrine cancer early Saturday, Dec. 30.
He was 48 years old.
The loss of Coach Feek is a tragic loss for Gretna, Sarpy County, and basketball in the state of Nebraska.
In his 21 years coaching the Dragons, Feek was the epitome of everything a coach should be, changing a team, a town and many lives as he fought for his own.
From his time as a player at Hastings High School and Doane University (then College), to becoming head coach at Gretna after four years as an assistant, Feek has impacted the basketball community at each stop. He built a legacy and standard at Gretna that will carry on long into the future.
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Off of it, he lifted and instructed his students, with many of his players harkening back to their days in Feek’s seventh- and eighth-grade classroom. Feek always uplifted his students just as he did for his players.
At a #ForFeek fundraiser at Heavy Brewing on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, Dragons senior guard Landon Pokorski spoke on the impact that was built over more than four years on the high school team.
“I had him as a teacher in seventh grade, and as great as a coach he is, he’s just as good teacher, if not better,” he said. “And that’s just the kind of leader he is in my life and in many other’s lives. He’s the ideal dad, the ideal husband, ideal coach, leader, and being able to just play for him, have a relationship we do, there’s nothing like it.”
Fellow senior Alec Wilkins added: “He’s probably one of the most influential people I’ve ever had in my life. I don’t know if I’d be where I am without him. Everything he’s done for me it just changed where I’m where I am now. So infinitely thankful for it.”
Alex Wilcoxson wrote Saturday: “Words don’t describe my emotions right now. Rest in peace to my mentor and coach. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the community. You’ve touched so many lives. Love you Coach (heart emojis)”
The last two years were spent battling a rare form of cancer.
Feek continued to fight in much the same way as his players fought on the court.
Tributes quickly poured in on social media for the strong-willed, inspiring, driven and caring Coach Feek.
Bellevue West first-year head coach Steve Klein wrote: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Feeken family, the players, coaches and the Gretna Community today as they lost their leader, Coach Feeken! He was a phenomenal basketball coach, but more importantly a great man who was a great role model! Rest easy, Coach.”
Papillion-La Vista South head coach Joel Hueser, who has coached the Titans for two decades and had his fair share on contests against Feek, added: “More than ever we use this time to reevaluate ‘Why we coach?’ & ‘Why we play?’ Perspective is magnified a thousand times — and love, our greatest motivator, leads the way. Our thoughts and prayers to the family and to all of Gretna.”
The Titans played the Dragons as scheduled at 5:15 p.m. in the Metro Holiday Tournament quarterfinals at Creighton Prep tonight. The ending could not have been any better if it was written in a script.
Creighton men’s basketball head coach Doug McDermott chimed in: “If we all impacted young people’s lives like Brad did, the world would be a much better place. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during the difficult time. RIP my friend.”
Seventh-year Doane Tigers head coach Ian McKeithen wrote: “Saddened to hear of the passing of former Doane basketball player, Coach Brad Feeken. He touched many lives, which was very evident during the benefits we attended in Gretna with incredible turnouts. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tough time. RIP Coach.”
Isaiah Currie, freshman at Northwestern College after four years at Gretna, wrote: “Through four years of basketball, Coach Feeken invested hours upon hours into me and the rest of his players. His influence in my life is something I do not take for granted and I am so thankful for. You will forever be missed Coach”
Morningside sophomore Ely Doble: “One of the biggest mentors in my life. He impacted me more than words can describe. Love you Coach. P.s. I can still hear that whistle of yours ringing in my ears.”
Current Nebraska football player and former Dragon Mason Goldman summarized: “Coach Feeken impacted my life like he did to so many others. The thought of losing one of my biggest mentors throughout high school is a pain that I have never experienced. Thank you Coach. Rest In Peace”
Ty Smolinski, Kansas State baseball commit now at Bellevue West after two years playing for Feek, wrote: Words cannot describe how much you meant to me and many others. I cannot thank you enough for everything. You may not be here with us anymore but you will always hold a special place in my heart. Love you coach #ForFeek“
From the perspective of this reporter, Feek was always quick to offer his time for anything I may need even when his own needs were dire.
When I started at what was then the Gretna Breeze in late February of 2022, Feek was one of the first coaches I interviewed after a district semifinal win over Fremont.
From that first interview, with several more in back-to-back state semifinal appearances and several regular season games, Feek was helpful, kind, generous with his time, and an exceptional person to talk to, on and off the record. I wish I could have spent more time with a man who has the traits of a passionate leader, motivator and uplifter.
He was stern and demanding but loving and understanding when he needed to be.
He pushed his players to their limits, but was there to offer a big hug and words of encouragement when they needed to be supported.
He constantly strove for his team to reach their full potential and gave them the tools to do just that.
He was full of passion, a fire to win and build his players as young men, and driven to make those around him better.
On the court, he was one of the most experienced coaches, a two-time state champion and holder of 350 wins.
Feek is survived by his wife, Jenny, and three kids – Rylinn (13), Maylee (11), John (6).
