Ronnie Coker is the 2021 Shreveport-Bossier Sportsman of the Year

Since retired Airline athletic director Ronnie Coker was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer this past spring, the state championship coach has been on a mission to spread a message of hope to all who will listen.

Coker regularly speaks to Northwest Louisiana groups when asked and when his health allows it.

“More than ever, Coach Coker is investing in people, students and adults, like never before,” said Bossier Schools assistant superintendent Jason Rowland. “His message about ‘Winning the Day’ is a powerful reminder of what faith, family and friends can do. Ronnie is still coaching today. He is coaching life to all who will listen. What makes him a champion is that he makes everyone better around him.”

Because of his willingness to give back to the community while battling cancer, Coker is the 2021 Shreveport Times Sportsperson of the Year.

“The ‘Win the Day’ mindset will change the lives of the kids if they buy into it,” said Benton basketball coach Todd Martinez.

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Benton assistant coach Toni Martinez said Coker’s smile and personality allows him to light up a room when he enters.

“He has always been an incredible motivator to everyone who crosses his path,” Martinez said. “He knows his purpose in life and he has lived it every day. He is a game changer for me. I am forever grateful for our relationship and the positive impact he has made on me as a player, coach and most importantly, as a person.”

Captain Shreve athletic director Todd Sharp said Coker has always been a positive person.

“For me personally, Ronnie has been a mentor as a coach, an athletic director and as a Christian,” Sharp said.

Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.