Tri-Unity Christian coach Mark Keeler reaches 700 wins, will retire after the season
Tri-Unity Christian coach Mark Keeler, right, reached 700 wins on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 at the Cornerstone University Holiday Tournament. He will retire at the end of the season. His replacement is Brent Voorhees, left. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Mark Keeler reached 700 career wins on Saturday, Jan. 4.
The long-time coach at Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian High School is the fourth person to reach the milestone in MHSAA history.
“I’m just blessed,” Keeler said. “I cannot tell you how much the Tri-Unity community means to me.”
Tri-Unity Christian (6-2) beat Adrian Lenawee Christian 58-44 at the Schoolcraft Champions Classic. Keaton Blanker led the Defenders with 16 points.
“I met my wife there, married her there, my two girls went through the school,” Keeler said. “So it’s not about me getting 700 wins, it’s about our whole school. It’s a statement about them. I’ve had so many good basketball players and coaches who have helped me.”
Keeler began his career in 1986 and has a career record of 700-218. He’s led the Defenders to six state championships, including last spring. The team has been to the state championship game each of the past for years.
Tri-Unity Christian coach Mark Keeler talks to senior Keaton Blanker on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 at the Cornerstone University Holiday Tournament. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
Does Keeler remember his first win?
“I’m 70 years old. I can’t remember that,” he said with a laugh. “My first varsity year was 1986. I have no clue who we beat.”
But this season will be his last. He’s announced that he’ll retire at the end of the season.
“My wife just retired,” Keeler said. “I feel like I’m leaving it in good hands. I’m very excited about Brent Voorhees. He’s an awesome young man. He’ll coach after me.”
Voorhees, who played for Keeler, has been on his coaching staff for the past five years.
“He was a great player,” Keeler said. “I will be his biggest fan. I’ll be rooting for Tri-Unity.”
A screenshot of the MHSAA list of career coaching wins before the start of the 2024-25 season.
