Craig Richard Rothenberger

Craig was Coach to us who knew him at Tillamook Catholic High School in the early-mid seventies. He was intelligent, patient, a teacher/coach who gave his all to our experience with him. He even drove our aging school bus, The Reo, to away games. We loved Coach and he loved us. I am very grateful for his presence in my life.

I remember Craig as one of the most pleasant people. He always had a smile and hello, how are you when I would see him. My children, Regina and Ken Misa both graduated from JCHS and have fond memories of Craig. May God Bless your family and give you peace.
Debi Misa

I was a player for Creswell High School during the 1990s, and Mr. Rothenberger was a fixture of that era-a formidable coach and worthy opponent. In the years since, I´ve come to admire not only his competitive spirit but also his remarkable longevity in one place.

When you´re young and caught up in rivalries, it´s hard to see the opposition as anything but "the enemy." But now, looking back, I can see Craig for who he truly was: a dedicated fellow sojourner who poured his time and skill into building steadiness and tradition in a world that offers so little continuity.

I watched Junction City win the '94 title-with admiration behind my jealousy. And in 2004, I watched Creswell defeat JC to regain that trophy -with satisfaction. But today, I write with sadness. When good men are gone, there are no winners. We are all a little more lost.

May others rise up to carry forward the work of building strong foundations for the next generation. Rest well, Coach Rothenberger.

Craig was a great coaching friend a great teacher mentor to so many he will be greatly missed heartfelt condolences to his family

Mr. Rothenberger was always a kind and supportive teacher and coach. I admired and respected him all those many years ago when he was at Nestucca High in Cloverdale. My condolences to his family. He is remembered with fondness.

Simply put, Craig was one of the finest men I have ever known or will ever know. I was blessed to have started my 42 year coaching career with him and we coached together at Nestucca HS and Junction City HS . We painted every summer together as well and I was privileged to get to watch his family grow up. His passing will leave a great hole in my life but the many, many, wonderful memories of our long friendship makes it easier.

A life well lived, a dedicated advocate for kids, a very unselfish individual, and a true team player as a member of the staff at JCHS. He was an individual who understood that it took the whole staff, working together, supporting each other, to be totally successful. As a fellow administrator he was always available, always willing to share his perspective on issues, always willing to criticize a decision I might have made, but in a manner that I was able to grow from and hopefully be a better school principal. His smile, his wit, his advocacy for kids and programs will be greatly missed.

Craig has been an icon among Oregon high school basketball coaches. I have known him since the late 1970´s working together at basketball camps, and on OSAA committees. He coached my youngest brother at JC! I am going to miss you Coach!

Coach Rothenberger- thank you for showing the way to all of us coaches in how to do it the right way. You will be missed around the state but your legacy will be passed on through us. Thinking of all the Rothenberger´s during this time.