Coach Don Ernest Drinkhahn: A Man Who Made a Difference

Many people easily recall a teacher, coach, or mentor who influenced them during their school years.

Outside of family members, these are the individuals who often have a lasting impact. There is no way to accurately measure how many can, and have, said this of Don Ernest Drinkhahn, who passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, at the age of 85.

Heather Moehling, well known at Robert Is Here for her work within the farming community and her involvement at South Dade Senior High School, shared her thoughts.

“Coach Drinkhahn was one of the most legendary coaches in South Florida history. His impact reached far beyond the football field, shaping thousands of lives for nearly four decades. Few people ever leave a legacy as profound as his. He set the standard for what every coach aspires to be: not just a teacher of the game, but a mentor, role model and leader of character. If you ask anyone in South Florida athletics from the 1970s to the early 2000s about Coach Drinkhahn, you will almost always get an immediate smile, followed by a great story. A story about how he mentored a young person, pushed an athlete to be their best or how he changed someone’s life by simply caring. His legacy is measured by the generations of individuals he inspired, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched. He was more than a coach, he was a South Florida legend.”

Ryan Drinkhahn provided the details of his father’s path to become so much more than a teacher.

“After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, he launched his teaching career in 1962 at Henry Filer Junior High in Hialeah, Florida. His passion for leadership quickly took him to the high school gridiron and wrestling mats. Over the next several decades, his distinguished coaching career spanned multiple states: Miami Killian High School (FL) – Head Football Coach; South Dade Senior High School (FL) – Head Football Coach (First tenure until 1972; returned in 1986 and taught until his retirement in 2007); Valparaiso University, (IN) – Head Wrestling Coach and Assistant Football Coach (1972–1979); Westminster Christian School (Miami, FL) – Contract Football Coach (Post-retirement); St. Joseph’s & Woodruff High School (Greenville, SC area) – Contract Football Coach (Post-retirement).”

For longtime residents of Homestead, and especially South Dade Senior High School alumni, his first tenure came at a time of tumultuous change as desegregation resulted in students from the all-Black Mays Senior High School being transferred to South Dade. Coach Drinkhahn exemplified leadership in his determination that racial tensions would not be allowed to win out over forging a true team.

Respect for his actions was highlighted in the article, “Teamwork Really Will Make the Dream Work,” by Kevin Lewis, Dec. 3, 2021. The coach’s integrity, matched with willingness to take on a daunting challenge, made a tremendous difference at a critical point.

For Homestead resident Linda Fagan, his actions rippled throughout the community.

“He rode around in a beat-up van picking up kids who did not have a way to school or football practice. Father, husband, friend, compassionate, ‘love of the game,’ generous, sympathetic, empathetic, caring, kind, devoted, trustworthy, passionate, and a cheerleader for all describes Coach D.”

Indeed, Coach Drinkhahn’s faith and his belief in the strength of family also extended far beyond what most people experience. In the late 1990s, he sought and received guardianship of a player on his team. Even without formal adoption, that young man became family; another brother and son who was loved in equal measure. Today that player shares Coach’s faith as a good husband and member of his community.

Born September 2, 1940, he dedicated his life to education and athletics, leaving an indelible mark on generations of student-athletes. Ryan Drinkhahn provided the family legacy.

“Don was reunited in passing with his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Glenda Ella Drinkhahn. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lucy Drinkhahn of Michigan, and his younger brother, Retired Colonel Marc Drinkhahn.

His legacy lives on through his loving family of his sons Ted Drinkhahn (married to Catalina) and Ryan Drinkhahn (previously married to Jennifer Lee Rosier); his son in heart, John Smith (married to Veronica Corona Smith); his grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, and Daniel Drinkhahn; Zachary and Calista Lahocinsky; and his brother Paul Drinkhahn.”

The Celebration of Life Service for the devoted father, grandfather, brother, and legendary high school coach will be held at South Dade Senior High, 28401 SW 167th Ave., Homestead, Saturday, July 25, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m. Family and speakers will arrive around 12:00 p.m.

While everyone sharing in the day is what is most important, if someone wishes to donate in memory of Coach Drinkhahn, please consider the South Dade Senior High School Concourse of Champions. Donations can be sent to South State Bank, Attn: “Concourse of Champions,” 1550 N. Krome Ave., Homestead, FL 33030, or mailed to Athletic Director, South Dade Senior High School, 28401 SW 167th Ave., Homestead, FL 33030.