2-22-2018 6:53pm

Seiler Announces Retirement as Saline High School Volleyball Coach

Saline varsity volleyball coach Kenny Seiler announced he was retiring from coaching in a Facebook post Wednesday.

“The decision for me to retire was very difficult to make, as I really do love coaching. That said, my family needs to come first for me,” Seiler said. “I really missed a lot of Lexi’s, Lila’s and Owen’s activities in the fall and I don’t want to do that now. I only get them at these ages once and I don’t want to miss (it).”

Seiler told the team he will miss them and miss not being there to coach them to a state championship - but promised to support the team from the stands.

Seiler coached the team to well over 300 victories.

In 2016, Seiler coached Saline to its first post-season trophy since 2005. Seiler also coached the team to its first SEC Red championship in years.

Seilers former players said he was a terrific coach.

Zoey Ammon, who plays volleyball now for Kalamazoo College, was a senior captain for the 2017 Hornets. She played for Seiler for three years.

“He was always there for me and willing to do anything to make me a better player. He helped me come back from a knee injury and helped shape me into the player I am today,” Ammon said. “He had so much love and heart for us, as well as the Saline volleyball program as a whole.”

Saline High School senior Emily Finkbeiner, who will play at Elmhurst next year, was a captain in her junior and senior year. She said Seiler was dedicated and caring.

“Kenny was always the first coach in the gym, always asking how everyone was doing,” Finkbeiner said. “He seriously doesn’t have a mean bone in his body - in practice, at least. During the games though, he was never afraid to argue with the refs, trying to get the best call for u -- the team.:

Like Ammon, Finkbeiner said Seiler’s dedication to the team will be missed.

“He’s more of the ‘behind the scenes’ head coach. He did so much for the volleyball program that nobody will ever understand. He always on top of things,” Finkbeiner said. “He’s always there for us no matter what and I know he will truly be missed next year.”

Saline Area Schools has posted the position.