McKinley brings more than wins to Weatherford

When I first moved to the area in 1996 it was in the middle of winter. In fact, the day we made the move from Tyler to Weatherford it was pouring rain and freezing cold.

Like any move, it was both exciting and scary. Now, having lived here almost three decades, with the exception of a couple years we moved to Colorado, I would say I have adapted well.

Sometimes I still wonder if others have gotten used to me and my idiosyncracies - or ever will - but that is a subject for another time. I haven’t been stoned or run out of town - yet - so that’s something to brag about to the grandkids, I reckon.

As I have said for as long as I can remember - which, if it’s not a song lyric from the 1970s or a University of Alabama football highlight, is admittedly dwindling by the day (the lovely Mrs. Junell will say by the hour) - the Lord’s going to put you where he’s going to put you, so you might as well pack your suitcase and go willingly.

Meeting Bob

All of this is leading up to spotlighting one of the first friendly faces I met upon my arrival, Bob McKinley, coach of the Weatherford College Lady Coyotes basketball team. Not too long after I got here we were introduced and I’ve been proud to call him my friend ever since.

And at no time have I been happier for him than recently when he won his 1,000th game as a coach. That’s a lot of victories, a lot of time on the sidelines, and a lot of time being one of the most positive influences young ladies - and men, as he once coached both the Coyotes and Lady Coyotes - will ever encounter in their lifetime.

I know, he influenced mine and continues to.

A winner on many levels

First of all, Bob is a winner. Of course, the 1,000th victory makes that obvious, but he’s also led the Lady Coyotes to several national tournament appearances, including a fourth-place finish in the late 1990s.

But Bob is a winner at much more than on the court. He’s devoted, first and foremost to his family, which he has always made time for as he, like most coaches, walks that delicate line between work and family life.

He adored his wife of many years, Dee, who passed away in December of 2020. He did more than love her, he honored her, respected her and listened to her.

While the rest of the world has difficulty holding onto something for even 57 minutes, Bob and Dee were together 57 years - and it’s obvious her memory will inspire him for the rest of his own life.

Having been at WC well over four decades, and having numerous opportunities to leave, Bob opted to stay because he chose being at home instead of bolting for more money and prestige. There’s no doubt he could have enjoyed great success at a much larger program, but as he would likely say if asked, “Why leave when I’m happy here?” 

Bob loves being in a position to mold young lives, many of whom face challenges students at other schools don’t. Many of the talented players who take the junior college route do so because they have wrinkles to work out in life. Bob has smoothed out many wrinkles in his career.

Many players had their lives adjusted in a more positive direction simply by being in his atmosphere, going from a questionable future to one of greatness.

He’s loyal to his players long after they no longer wear the WC uniform. Ask him about almost anyone who’s ever been on his roster and he can immediately tell you where they are now, what they are doing, about their family - and, of course, how happy he is for them. Often, he’ll add, “I was just talking to them yesterday,” or “I got an email from them just the other day.”

And it’s not only the players who were stars and standouts for him. He can update you on players who rarely got into a game, most always tossing in a compliment like, “They worked about as hard as any player I’ve ever had,” or “They didn’t have as much talent as some others, but I wish every player had their heart.”

One great heart inspires another, Bob.

Weatherford owes him a debt

Bob would disagree, but the city of Weatherford and Parker County as a whole - heck, even the entire Metroplex - owes Bob a heap of thanks. Largely because of him, the Lady Coyotes are recognized and respected throughout the country - even the world, given how many players from other countries he brought to America to better their lives.

Of course, they helped his basketball program, but helping them come here opened doors they might not have otherwise been able to walk through.

With the recognition of the basketball team comes attention for the city of Weatherford. The city deserves to be known throughout, to be certain, and the success of Bob and Weatherford College are a big reason why and a large part of the many things the community has to offer.

Who knows how much longer Bob will coach? He’s still very good at his job, so no one is going to force him into retirement - nor should they. He’s earned the right to call it quits when he decides.

Even my daughter Kinsley and I owe him a debt. Thanks to Bob, she was asked to sing the National Anthem at a few WC games, a memorable moment that certainly didn’t hurt on a college resume’ either.

Personally, thanks Bob for the story ideas you’ve given me, for the respect you have shown me in my own profession, and mostly because of the friendship you’ve shown me. I love it when my friends reach major milestones and achieve greatness. You, my friend, are about as great as they come with 1,000 victories on the court and many more in life.