BEATRICE - A long-time teacher and coach of state champions at Beatrice Public Schools has passed away. Darrel Hoffman, of Beatrice died Friday at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln. He was 83.


The Hadar, Nebraska native taught science at Beatrice Public Schools for 40 years and logged 53 years coaching athletes in football, track, and golf.  His coaching career began with 26 years as an Assistant Football Coach and 44 years as an Assistant Track Coach.


Hoffman coached three individual State Track Champions in the Pole Vault and four State Champion Beatrice Lady Orange Golf Teams. His girls golf teams qualified for the State Tournament in 26 of his 27 years as a coach and won State Championship Team titles in 1990, 1992, 2005 and 2007.  His teams were runners-up in 1989, 2003, 2006 and 2008....and he coached four Individual State Champions. There were 14 District titles and 12 Conference Titles, under Hoffman's leadership. 


Hoffman was the Nebraska Coaches Association girl’s golf coach of the year in 2007 and a National High School Coaches Association Girl’s Golf Coach of the Year finalist.  Hoffman was a member of the Nebraska Coaches Association where he was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Nebraska State Education Association and Centenary United Methodist Church.


Hoffman is survived by his wife, Sandi of Beatrice and daughters, Stacy and Katie...and other relatives.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 23rd. at Centenary United Methodist Church.