From the Columia Tribune comes news that Hickman Coach Jon Strodtman has lost his battle with intestinal cancer.
Hickman senior Liz Gayer felt blessed that Kewpies Coach Jon Strodtman was able to attend her signing ceremony last Wednesday to announce her decision to attend Missouri on a soccer scholarship.
“He wasn’t going to miss it, and if it makes him happy, then I’m so glad he was here,” Gayer said last week. “That’s important to me because he might not have a lot of time left.”
The public appearance proved to be Strodtman’s last.
The Missouri High School Soccer Coaches held a fund raiser for Jon and his family in May 2006. I expect we’ll hear more from his peers in the days to come.
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My prayers are with the Strodtman’s during their time of loss. I first met Jon when we played in Columbia years ago. He was all decked out in camo and asked if we could not play OT so he could have a few more hours of daylight for hunting. That was Jon. Later that year, Hickman beat Glendale in the Quarters to go to the Final 4 and he was very gracious in the victory. That was Jon. When we spoke last Spring at the Sedalia tourney he just found out that doctors could not help him anymore. He never complained but rather wanted to talk about his kids and the great game. That was Jon. He was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
When we lived in Columbia in the 90s I played on an outdoor team with Jon. He was an extremely competitive man on the field and played with a lot of strength and commitment. This was obviously reflected in his battle with this disease. After the game he would always laugh and joke and be friends with everyone, he was a lot of fun to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I had the pleasure of coaching against this incredible man and coach. Jon never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him or grieve for him. The last time I saw him was the fall of 2006 at KHS. It was all I could do after the game to hold back the tears knowing that this would quite possibly the last time I would have the opportunity to coach against him. He was an intense competitor and we always had a great rivalry. He will always hold a special place for me. The soccer community will truly miss Jon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Strodtman and Hickman family.
I am Jon’s brother. Thank you for your kind comments and prayers. I’m sure that had we all met on the pitch it would have been fun to exchange stories of my brother. As you continue on mentoring young men and women I ask that you never forget Jon’s words: Losing is not an option… it doesn’y mean you’ll always win sometime you just get beat. Do your best and never quit, because if you quit, you lose. Encourage your player to do thier best play good soccer and the rest will take care of itself.
Jon Strodtman was not only a great soccer coach but my Daddy!
He was the world to me and I have joy that he is in heaven with Jesus. I am so greatful for all the other family members I have gained through Hickman all the soccer girls who shared my dad with me mean so much to me also. This will be the hardest thing for me to over come but I have my Family and everyone who loved my dad as much as I did to share great memories with.
Thank you to all who cared for my daddy and for all the love and prayers this community has given my family.
Jons baby girl,
Chelsea
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