Steve Koch, Jesuit’s very own athletic director, was recently named Archangel of the Year by the Archangels Men’s Club, an organization that supports Catholic Charities in Dallas. Koch was awarded for his contributions to the renovation of the Santa Clara Regional Community Center.
The Archangels Men’s Network is a group of men across the Diocese of Dallas that partake in various events and activities of service and outreach. An extremely diverse group of men, the Archangels provide spiritual, financial, and physical assistance to the Diocese.
Koch helped lead a group of Archangels in renovating the center’s playground, reaching out to many other Jesuit coaches to lend a hand in the construction. Using his connections throughout the city of Dallas, he obtained the necessary workforce, equipment, and expertise to make sure that the grounds at the community center were brought to tip-top shape. He ensured that the club possessed the necessary playground equipment and volunteers, as well as a landscape contractor to facilitate the construction.
Koch enjoyed putting in the work to assist the Archangels, saying, “It’s a good group that supports the Catholic Charities and the Diocese, so whenever they need something, we organize our groups to help with whatever is needed.” He cited other projects in which the organization has enjoyed success, such as the building bikes as Christmas presents for children. Additionally, he can see himself working with the charity any time they ask in the future, as “they’re always good causes with other Catholic-run organizations around the city.”
Jesuit President Mike Earsing praised Koch’s efforts, explaining that “Everyone at Jesuit is undergoing formation… We all have a responsibility about modeling what it is to be the kind of men that we want [our students] to be.” Earsing was very pleased with Koch’s ability to be a man for others in the Dallas community, as he provides a prime example for students to follow. Furthermore, Earsing referenced Koch’s ability to serve others without expecting reward, especially when he described how “Coach Koch was surprised and didn’t expect” any compensation in return for his efforts.
Earsing finished by pointing out Koch’s “spirited generosity” and ability to accept any request or project “with a smile on his face.” Coach Koch looks forward to working with the Archangels again in the future around the city of Dallas, never shying away from a challenge to better the community.
