Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Mary M. Knight girls basketball coach Mike Bateman talks to the Owls during a timeout. Bateman, 59, died May 29 at his home in Matlock.
You would probably be hard-pressed to find someone in Matlock that didn't have a story about Mike Bateman.
Bateman, 59, a life-long community member and graduate of Mary M. Knight High School who served as the president of the Mary M. Knight school board and the Owls' head girls basketball coach, died on May 29.
"It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of one of our school board members, Mr. Mike Bateman," MMK Superintendant Matt Mallery wrote in a district statement. "As some of you were aware, Mike had been dealing with some health issues, but his passing was sudden and unexpected.
"Mike was always a champion of the Mary M. Knight School District and the community of Matlock. He consistently made decisions as a board member with the students' needs at the forefront. Mike was approachable to anyone in the community and always willing to help at any time.
"His service and dedication to the Mary M. Knight School District will be missed by myself, the other board members, and the entire district."
Bateman has been MMK's girls basketball coach for the past three seasons, guiding the Owls to the district playoffs all three years.
He had also previously been the school's football coach for a year and coached the middle school girls basketball team.
"... his passing has left a hole, not only in our athletic community, but in the Matlock community as well. When you think of Matlock and Mary M. Knight school, Mike is one of the top names that come to mind," MMK athletic director Tom Kerr wrote in an email. "He has been a pillar in this community long before I arrived and his legacy will continue long after. When talking with Mike you know that he always puts one thing first – the well-being of our students and doing whatever it takes to help grow our athletic programs. His teams were always well coached, disciplined, and always showed great sportsmanship. All traits that we as coaches desire in our athletic teams. Mike will surely be missed, but not ever forgotten."
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