'I didn't have that spirit': Pat Renner stepping down as Britton-Hecla football coach

Argus Leader

Britton-Hecla football coach Pat Renner stands on the sidelines during the Class 9A state football finals on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Dana J. Dykehouse Stadium in Brookings.

BROOKINGS — Pat Renner has stepped down as Britton-Hecla football coach.

Though his decision was made official following the team's 46-34 loss to Canistota/Freeman in Thursday's Class 9A championship game, it was one Renner said he made Oct. 18 after watching his starting quarterback, junior Trevor Zuehlke, fall unconscious during the fourth quarter of the Braves' game at Warner.

"That game took my spirit away," Renner said. "I had to be taken off the field because I saw one of my boys dying on the field. It was just a hard thing. I didn't have that spirit anymore."

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Zuehlke was rushed to an Aberdeen hospital where a CT scan revealed bleeding in his brain. He was then airlifted to Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls where he underwent surgery before being placed in a medically induced coma. Zuehlke has been slowly recovering from the injury, but remains in intensive care.

Renner said he didn't "really didn't" want to finish the season. But during a team gathering at his house a few days after Zuehlke's injury, Renner's players told him they were determined to carry on in honor of No. 10.

Seeded No. 1 in 9A, the Braves knocked off Ipswich/Edmunds Central, Burke and Gregory before falling to Canistota/Freeman in the championship game.

They finished the season at 11-1.

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"I didn't know if I could (continue)," Renner said, pausing to hug senior tailback Cole Fosness as he walked by. "But I had a good support system and we made it through the playoffs."

In the moments after the game, Renner told his players that he loved them and let them know he would always be there for them and would always have their back.

"It's emotional, it's hard," said Renner, whose 47-14 record at Britton-Hecla included a Class 9A title in 2017. "I love football and I love these kids. I want them to keep on our culture and tradition."

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.