New Carlisle Ohio News

Longtime Tecumseh Coach Suffers Fatal Heart Attack

By Jim Dabbelt

Former Tecumseh football coach Kent Massie, who spent 24 years with the Arrows football program including 11 years as a head coach, has died due to complications of a cardiac issue he suffered recently.

Massie, who spent 13 years as an assistant coach from 1992-2004 then took over the head coaching duties from 2005-2015 led the Arrows to three league championships and led Tecumseh to the playoffs seven times. The former Arrows coach passed away Tuesday morning.

Massie finished his tenure with a 72-48 record, put together seven consecutive winning seasons, including 11-1 in 2008 and 10-2 the following year.

His league championships with the Arrows happened in 2008, 2008 and 2012, while after making the playoffs for his first time in 2006, the Arrows then make the post season six consecutive years from 2008-2012. He also advanced to the playoffs in 2014.

"Kent loved Tecumseh, he loved Tecumseh Football, and he loved the kids," Tecumseh athletic director Craig Eier said. "He was extremely organized and paid attention to details. Our kids were always prepared and played with great effort."

"Kent made Tecumseh a better place because of the positive effect he had on kids. My wife and I were very fortunate that we had 2 sons who got to play for him. Both loved playing for him and had the utmost respect for him as a coach and person. We lost a father, husband, teacher, coach, and friend. His lively personality will be greatly missed."

Arrangements are pending for Massie.