Coach taught how to live - and die - with class

CELINA - Former student athletes, parents and colleagues are mourning the loss of longtime Celina coach and teacher Dan Otten, who died Sunday night after his battle with cancer.

Otten was involved in the Celina High School athletics program for more than 40 years: cross country, track, soccer coach, volleyball, basketball and swimming at different points. He was also once the district's athletic director.

Coaches often leave a mark on their students and those around them, and it's clear Otten inspired many of them. Former athletes and friends of Otten had worked to help the coach following his diagnosis with chondrosarcoma in 2016, organizing a fundraising 5K run to help alleviate some of his medical bills and rehabilitation expenses.

"He was an amazing guy," said Bill Sell, a Celina City Schools Board of Education member and a former track coach who worked with Otten for years. "He always pushed athletes to do their best."

Fair but firm, Otten was the type of guy who could lift kids up and command their full dedication and effort during practice, then take them out to Dairy Queen. He was committed to the kids, wanting the best for them not just in athletics but in the classroom, Sell said.

Many of Otten's colleagues and parents have taken to social media to share their memories of him and send well wishes to his family. So too have former and current students One old student said he wouldn't be the man he is today if not for Otten, Sell said. Many others have put out similar messages, noting that Otten had been instrumental in making a difference in their lives.

"He was demanding, but quick to offer a reward or a kind word," Sell said.

Students knew he wanted the best for them, and that Otten was always trying to help them become better people. He may have pushed them to their limits, both on the field and in the classroom, but many knew he cared deeply about them as a person, too.

"He was just instrumental in making school a better place," Sell said.

Otten was also devout in his faith, held a strong belief in God and was heavily involved in the Fellowship for Christian Athletes. Sell recalled that upon speaking with Otten a few weeks prior, Otten had told him he wasn't afraid to die.

Sell looks forward to having some sort of memorial service where people can come together and share stories about a remarkable man, whose impact will surely live on.