“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”
That quote from Author Clarence Budington Kelland sums up the story of Union County senior outside linebacker/safety Nathan Koepke’s life experience – especially over the last nearly 5 months.
On June 20th of this year, Nathan’s life took a dramatic change when his father, Dr. Jason Koepke, was killed in a tragic car crash at just 41 years of age.
“I started playing sports when I was 7 years old. My dad was a quarterback for Jonesville High School and later went on to play for North Greenville College (now University). His love for football carried over to me. We always watched football games together on Saturdays. Off the field, he was a huge influence on me as a man of God. He always taught me to be strong, work hard, and above all to love the Lord with all my heart. He would always send me encouraging messages before school. I would wait for him to get home so I could tell him about my day. He was my best friend, supporter, and guidance, and he never failed to make me happy”, said Nathan.
Encouragement was nothing uncommon of Jason, who was notable for doing his best to uplift everyone he met – a quality that is tantamount in leadership. No doubt that quality is a key one that has not only carried over to Nathan, who hopes to follow in his Father’s footsteps after high school and become an educator/PE teacher/coach, but has come in handy with the way things have gone for the Yellow Jackets over the last couple of years.
Union County football has been in a tough spot for a while. Over the last 3 years, the program has gone a combined 3-23. There was a change at the top last season with former Head Coach Brian Thompson stepping down after 6 seasons and Quinnon Isom assuming the reins back in February. With all the changes and the struggles to win, it can be discouraging to the point many don’t even want to play football. But, Nathan has persevered through it all while emerging as a leader himself.
“We have had some hard years of late, but one thing I have learned is to fight through the difficult times. Playing for Union, even through all the lows of the last few years, has given me a chance to be a leader and be a part of a team that really cares about each other during both the good and the bad times. I think back to Coach Thompson. He was a fighter through his battle with cancer. He taught all his players how to be a man in both football and life. Coach Isom teaches that too, but also tells us to never back down or give up even when we are down. That all carries over into real life as well”, said Koepke.
Nathan’s family has also been a huge source of encouragement, both through the tragedy of losing his dad, and as he competes on the gridiron every Friday night.
“My mom, Amanda, has been a warrior, especially these past few months with dad passing away. She is a provider, protector, and a woman of God. My sister, Kylie, has been a big fan – always carrying a ‘big head’ sign of me and cheering the loudest for me. My brother, Luke, is my photographer for football games. He is always either in the student section or on the sideline yelling ‘Yessir, Kep!’ My girlfriend, Allie, is also one of my biggest fans. She is at every game and never fails to put a smile on my face. She and all of my family have been with me through thick and thin and I love them! I could not have made it through without their support”, said Nathan.
Their support has carried him to some key moments this season such as one that, though recent, Kopepke says is his most fond that doesn’t involve going to a game with his dad.
“My favorite sports memory happened just a few weeks ago against Broome. I came up with the game-winning interception in overtime and all I can remember is getting dogpiled on with Coach Isom in my ear screaming ‘Yessir, Nathan! Let’s go!’ It was up there with going with my dad to see Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving play in a Nets-Hornets game”, he said.
While it is hard to imagine anything harder, Nathan has had to overcome a lot more than just his father’s untimely death and a few tough seasons. Like many teens, he struggles with performing in front of a crowd – which you’d never be able to tell from his on-field performance week in and week out.
“I am very nervous before I do anything that involves doing something in front of large crowds. All I can do to overcome it is pray and ask God to give me peace and comfort. That is one thing I do in honor of my dad – pray in the endzone before every game, while also wearing his necklace”, said Koepke.
With all he has endured lately, Nathan wanted his story to wrap up by channeling his father’s spirit of encouragement and offering some wisdom for any aspiring young athletes or other people that may be in his same shoes –
“In your life you are going to lose some and you are going to win some. No matter what happens, give God the glory, and He will bless you in the long run. Always give your best and the outcome will take care of itself.”
You can catch “Kep” and his Yellow Jackets in action Friday night as they go on the road to face Woodruff at WL Varner Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30.
