April 10, 2024
Coach Donald Bielke
Submitted by Monica Pollard '80
My father, Coach Bielke, was basketball coach at Cal Lu from 1973 until he retired in the late 1990’s. I still remember Thanksgivings when we’d have a group of tall and hungry Cal Lu basketball players at our house for dinner because they couldn’t travel home. Many of those players from the 70’s became friends with dad after graduating, and still stay in touch. Later, as a Cal Lu student myself, I took PE classes from dad, and got to see my father at work. He was a good teacher, helpful and approachable. He liked to get involved with college life; like acting in small parts in theater productions, chaperoning at dances, or singing bass in the choir on special events. He always set a good example for me of helping others and getting involved in things you care about.