Madera coaching legend passes

Longtime coach at Madera and Madera South high schools, Mark Lohuis, lost his battle with COVID-19 earlier this week.

Lohuis was a coach of the 1996 Central Section championship team as well as many other teams during his tenure at Madera and at Madera South.

He was a long-time baseball coach, working with former coach Dan Ascanio and most recently John Fernandez, the Madera High School Athletics Director, at Madera South.

In addition to teaching physical education at Madera and then at Madera South, Lohuis could be found assisting many coaches. He coached football, basketball and baseball during the same school year.

Most recently, Lohuis assisted Eddie Durham with the Madera South boys and girls golf team.

He was also the reliable scoreboard operator at Madera and Madera South football games.

Lohuis played baseball at Fresno state and was drafted in 1979 by the Houston Astros.

Lohuis was also the coach responsible of turning in results to The Madera Tribune. He did that so his athletes could get the recognition they earned on the playing field.

He had had a positive affect on a number of student-athletes in Madera.

Here are just a few of the sympathies posted on social media:

“He developed countless players in multiple sports. Coach was loved by many and he will be missed tremendously. Prayers to his family during this time. Thank you Coach! RIP” MHS Coyote Baseball (Twitter)

“Forever grateful to this man. His impact on me and countless others will never be forgotten. Fantasitc person, father, coach adn friend. I am thankful for the memories I have with him as a player and a coach. Thank you, Coach Lohuis! RIP” Jacob Saldote (Twitter)

“Madera lost a great man. The best person, coach PEteacher and line dancing instructor any sophomore at MSHS could have.” Analicia Sanchez (Twitter)

“An amazing person! Absolutely blessed to witness first hand everything that you did for our students here at Madera South. You will be missed, Coach!” Madera South Baseball (Twitter)

“Rest in Peace, Coach Lo. One of my favorite coaches throughout my career. Didn’t have to yell to get his point across. He just had something about him that made you respect him.” Darien Gray (Facebook)

“Coach Lohuis taught me more than any coach can teach about the mental aspect of the game. Will forever be missed and appreciated for the things you did at MSHS.” Donovan Bertoncini (Facebook)