Apparently a heart attack, but I don't know the details for sure. KWBG radio in Boone reported it this morning. His first year at Madrid was my last year at KWBG so I got to know him a little bit at that time, circa. 1988-89.
I always saw him as the Bill Snyder of Iowa H.S. football, taking over one of the truly worst programs in the state and turning it into a powerhouse. Also had many great boys track performers and teams. Madrid didn't have much athletic success in any sport before he got there in the late 80s. They always had some tough kids, but couldn't put it together until he took over.
To show you how much times have changed, Madrid and Waukee were in the same conference when I was growing up. We generally beat them at least 9 of 10 times in every sport. They weren't playing Waukee anymore when Hinkel arrived, but once he got football turned, their whole athletic program, entire school system and whole district in general improved. A successful marquee sport can be such a powerful catalyst for a community.
I always saw him as the Bill Snyder of Iowa H.S. football, taking over one of the truly worst programs in the state and turning it into a powerhouse. Also had many great boys track performers and teams. Madrid didn't have much athletic success in any sport before he got there in the late 80s. They always had some tough kids, but couldn't put it together until he took over.
To show you how much times have changed, Madrid and Waukee were in the same conference when I was growing up. We generally beat them at least 9 of 10 times in every sport. They weren't playing Waukee anymore when Hinkel arrived, but once he got football turned, their whole athletic program, entire school system and whole district in general improved. A successful marquee sport can be such a powerful catalyst for a community.
