Parkway South golf coach Mark Wade died suddenly from an apparent heart attack early Saturday.
Wade was one of the most likable and successful boys golf coaches in the area. His South teams won seven of the last 11 district titles and won the 2000 Class 4 team state championship.
Parkway South Athletic Director Chip Allison said Wade and he started at South at the same time, 30 years ago.
"He's just a great man, a great friend, a great colleague and a great coach," Allison said. "He's done tremendous things as a golf coach and as a math teacher. He will be truly missed."
Under Wade's guidance, South has produced several Division I golfers. South alum Scott Langley finished fourth at state in 2006 and won the NCAA individual championship in 2010 with the University of Illinois. South senior Kyle Weldon, a Kansas State signee, finished second at state last year and is a favorite to win it this year.
Wade's death came in the middle of the boys golf playoffs. South had just won the district team title on Wednesday to advance to the sectional this Wednesday at Poplar Bluff.
Allison said assistant coach Jason Koehrer will take the team to Poplar Bluff and hopefully to state in Springfield on May 16-17.
Wade was 59. Funeral arrangements are pending.
