Sturgis community mourns loss of an icon
STURGIS — The Sturgis community is mourning the loss of an icon.
Bernard “Budd” Munson died late last week at age 86.
Prior to Friday night’s homecoming football game, a moment of silence was held in his honor.
“Prior to our national anthem this evening we want to take a moment to reflect on a Sturgis icon,” Principal Nick Herblet read from a script written by Andy Hatt, athletic director/dean of students. “Last night, Sturgis athletics and the Sturgis community lost a legend in the passing of Budd Munson.”
Munson dedicated more than 40 years to Michigan High School athletics and Sturgis Public Schools. He coached football, baseball, basketball and boys’ and girls' tennis. He established the first girls' tennis team at Sturgis Public Schools and developed a dominating program. He won 16 Twin Valley Championships and nine regionals with six undefeated seasons. He was Class B Girls Tennis coach of the Year in 1980 and his teams were State Runner-Up in 1989, 1990, and 1991. He finished his career with a record of 311-15.
Munson was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1990, the Michigan Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame in 1993, and the Sturgis Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Beyond his coaching career, Budd’s influence spanned generations, Herblet read. In his time at Sturgis Public Schools he was a guidance counselor, driver’s training instructor, bus driver, scorekeeper, fan, and mentor to an untold number of students, coaches, teachers, and athletes.
Munson and his wife, Helen, were a staple for anyone visiting Augspurger Tennis Courts year after year, Herblet read.
“Budd never failed to offer any assistance needed and continued to pass on his knowledge and words of advice to student-athletes,” he said. “It is impossible to think of Sturgis tennis, Sturgis athletics, and the Sturgis community without acknowledging the influence of Budd Munson.”
Herblet went on to say Sturgis Public Schools offers its deepest condolences to Munson’s friends and family.
Funeral services for Munson were held Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis Public Schools coach Budd Munson dies at age 86
