Former Mustang Coach Left Lasting Legacy

For the last few years, CAC alumnus Scott Perry (class of ‘88) and a group of former Mustangs woke up to a daily text that included a Bible verse and a word of encouragement. On the other end of those messages was former CAC basketball coach Mark Villinger, a man who had made a deep impact on the lives of his players and the men that they’ve become.

“He totally changed the trajectory of my life by showing me what it looked like to love Jesus and to love basketball,” Perry said. “I absolutely love that dude.”

This summer, Coach Villinger, or Coach V, passed away after a cancer battle at age 66 in Florida. Coach V first came to CAC for the 1987-88 school as the head Boys’ Basketball coach. While at Mustang Mountain, Coach V and his teams racked up honors on the court, winning district titles and putting CAC Basketball on the map. But according to all who knew him, Coach V cared more about lifting up people than lifting trophies.

“We weren’t always the biggest or most talented team on the court,” former player Mark Finton (class of ‘89) said. “But he brought a style we could win with, and he was always phenomenal about pulling the best out of his players.”

Coach V was also gifted at developing relationships with his colleagues, creating friendships that would last far beyond The Mountain.

“My teaching career began across the hall from Mark at CAC almost 40 years ago, where he showed me how an everyday example could impact students and colleagues in ways you never imagine,” longtime CAC teacher and administrator Karen Sullivan said. “As a teacher, coach, and friend, he was deeply passionate about what he believed in and modeled what it meant to put others before self.”

Coach V’s students and players echo the lasting impression of Coach V’s passion. Not only was this apparent on the court, but also in the classroom, where he taught art for more than 40 years.

“His practices were hard, his rules were ironclad and his intensity was never hidden, Alumnus Scott Whitis (class of ‘89) said. “We talked sports a lot, but more than anything he taught us the importance of community in Christ.

“Besides my dad, I consider Coach the most influential male Christian in my life.”

Coach V’s great understanding for the X’s and O’s of the game was what drew a lot of initial respect from his players, but the fact that he truly cared for his players and most importantly for their walk with Jesus is what helped many Mustangs find a mentor for life.

Steven McRoberts (class of ‘88) has been a hugely successful coach in his own right, and he credits Coach V with leaving footsteps worth following.

“Coach V is a huge reason that I’ve been a coach for the past 34 years,” said McRoberts, a former University of Tulsa and Ole Miss head volleyball coach. “He was a great motivator and brought energy every day, no matter the circumstances. I loved playing for him!”

The two later became close friends, with Coach V showing up to watch McRoberts coach several times over the years. The support was constant, the lessons lifelong.

“He was a man of God who truly lived out what a Christian coach should look like, and it’s now one of my goals to honor his life as I coach this next season and from now on,” McRoberts said.

Coach V left an outsized impact on colleagues, students and friends during his 10 years on Mustang Mountain. It’s a legacy that continued across six states and at the other schools at which he taught during his career. And his former students are eager to carry that legacy forward.

Those morning text messages? Scott Perry is now in charge of selecting the verse and texting the group.

“It brought us closer to him and each other, but most importantly, it gave us a perspective and focus on what’s most important: starting each day focused on God and His purpose for our lives,” McRoberts said.

An unwavering faith and a passionate love for people makes for a life well lived. According to friends, Coach V really left it all on the court, just like he taught his players.

“Mark lived his testimony daily,” Karen Sullivan said. “He was a constant Christian example, a dear family friend, and a mentor who set the bar high and demanded excellence, yet lived with an unconditional love for everyone he met. His impact on my life and those of many others will echo for generations.”