The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Coach bouncing back after heart surgery
Return to bench unclear, but Mininger anxious to recover
By Ed Patino, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 1, 2007
Mike Mininger was lying on an operating table three weeks ago, receiving emergency heart surgery to save his life.
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Last week, the Manchester varsity volleyball coach received warm greetings from players, coaches, parents and officials alike. Mininger made his first appearance at a Manchester volleyball event Feb. 22 as the Flying Dutch competed in the Cascades Conference tournament at Michigan Center High School.
Mininger has not been cleared to return to coaching, and his appearance at the Cascades tournament was not advised by doctors.
"They've been playing good volleyball over the last couple weeks," Mininger said. "I haven't been with them in a while, so I didn't want to be on the bench."
After a Feb. 1 loss to Addison dropped the team to 11-14-2 on the season, the Flying Dutch have played some inspired volleyball over the past month. Manchester has posted an 8-6-2 record in Mininger's absence. The Dutch went 2-2 and placed fourth in the Cascades tournament.
Mininger didn't have to look far for his replacements. Rachel Heinrich and Kim Meyer are team-coaching the Dutch for the remainder of the season. Both are members of the Siena Heights University volleyball team, which Mininger is an assistant coach.
The team also was coached by Manchester Athletic Director and head football coach Wes Gall during its Feb. 12 match against East Jackson.
"I'm sure it has been an adjustment, but I'm really proud of the girls for accepting Rachel and Kim and what they're selling," Mininger said. "It's an excellent group of people in Manchester."
Mininger said that his heart problem came unexpectedly. The trouble began Feb. 3 as Mininger was preparing to leave with the team for the Springport tournament. He wasn't feeling well while getting ready, and his condition worsened as the morning progressed. Mininger entered the hospital that afternoon, and doctors were performing heart surgery two days later.
The surgery was successful, and Mininger was released from the hospital Feb. 15. Doctors told him to limit his exertion and excitement levels during his recovery, but he made the trip to Michigan Center anyway.
Throughout the night, Manchester players and parents, along with Heinrich and Meyer, stopped by to catch up with Mininger's progress and wish him well. Coaches from the seven other Cascades teams also sent their regards, as did several officials working the tournament.
"It probably was good for him to come out today," Meyer said after the tournament. "The girls miss him and enjoyed seeing him. I think this was good for him."
It's unclear when Mininger will return to the Manchester bench, though he hasn't ruled out next season.
"Maybe no more this year, but we'll see what happens next year," Mininger said. "Right now I want to get better so I can golf in the summer."
As for the Flying Dutch, he believes they are in good hands with Heinrich and Meyer.
"They are exceptional women," Mininger said. "They're students who have played the game for a while and do a great job. They didn't have to step in, but they accepted and I can't begin to express how grateful I am."
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