Mark Senftner, the thoughtful teacher and coach who mentored and cared for thousands of students, died Saturday in Sioux Falls.
Senftner, who had been the Sully Buttes High School football and girls basketball coach for 17 years, had dealt with health problems for the past two years. Last month, he resigned as a teacher and coach due to health reasons.
A McLaughlin native, Senftner graduated from McLaughlin High School and Northern State University. Before moving to Sully Buttes, Senftner was a teacher and coach at Roscoe, Gregory and Timber Lake high schools.
While at Sully Buttes, Senftner led the girls basketball team to four state championships. Four of his football teams advanced to the state championship game. His family also created a memorial scholarship in honor of their late son, Tate, which is presented at the state Class B boys basketball tournament.
During his tenure, Senftner was honored several times for his coaching successes and many of his players went on to play in college. He was well known in coaching circles for his courtesy and respect of his players and his opponents.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
