"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way." — Psalm 37:23
Here are some detailed archival findings about Jeffrey R. Pettinga (also known as "Coach P") — former coach at Grand Rapids Christian High School (GRCHS) and longtime coach at Calvin University (formerly Calvin College) — based on publicly‑available records. I am about 90% sure of the accuracy of the following details.
Jeffrey R. Pettinga
✅ Verified Background & Career Highlights
Pettinga is listed on the Calvin University website as "Mr. Jeffrey Pettinga, Physical Education, Emeritus" in the Department of Kinesiology.
According to the alumni Hall of Fame bio for Grand Rapids Christian High School (GRCHS), Pettinga (Class of 1963) coached there multiple sports including wrestling, JV & varsity football, and varsity baseball. He later moved to Calvin College (now Calvin University) in 1977 and served as head baseball coach for 27 seasons.
His tenure at Calvin's baseball program included conference championships (MIAA) in 1980, 1984, 2000, and 2002.
Earlier faculty records show Pettinga was appointed as Assistant Professor of Physical Education at Calvin in the 1970s.
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🧮 Additional Details
Education: He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Calvin College and a Master's Degree from Michigan State University.
In his Hall of Fame bio at GRCHS, he's referred to as "Coach P," and his greatest passion is listed as baseball.
On the Calvin website's "A Lasting Impact" story, former players attribute meaningful mentorship to him:
> "In 1989… Tyler… knew that Jeff — still calls him Coach… would be an incredible mentor."
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⚠️ What is Not Fully Verified
Precise dates for when he began and ended each coaching role (at GRCHS vs. Calvin) are not exhaustively documented in the publicly accessible sources I found.
Specifics of his academic role (what courses he taught, his full faculty rank progression) beyond "Physical Education/Emeritus" are limited.
Any post‑Calvin career details, retirement date, or additional roles beyond those listed are not extensively found.
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📝 Summary
Jeffrey R. Pettinga is a well‑recognized coach and educator in West Michigan, with a long history at both Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin University. He made significant impact especially in baseball (as a head coach) and physical education. His record includes multiple conference championships and a strong legacy of mentorship.
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If
🎓 Background & Education
Pettinga graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School (Class of 1963).
He earned his Bachelor's degree from Calvin College and a Master's from Michigan State University.
At Calvin University he is listed as "Physical Education, Emeritus" in the Department of Kinesiology.
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🏫 Coaching Career at GRCHS
After graduation, Pettinga taught and coached within the GRCH / East Christian school system through the 1960s and 1970s. (He taught Physical Education starting in 1965 at East Christian, which later became part of GRCHS.)
He coached multiple sports at GRCHS: tennis, wrestling, JV & varsity football (including 3 years as head coach), and varsity baseball.
His varsity baseball teams at GRCHS won City League championships in 1970 and 1977.
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🥎 Coaching Career at Calvin University
In 1977, Pettinga moved to Calvin College where he served as a faculty member and coach.
He was head coach of Calvin's wrestling program for 5 seasons.
His "greatest passion" was baseball; he served as head baseball coach at Calvin for 27 seasons.
Under his leadership, Calvin's baseball teams won Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championships in 1980, 1984, 2000, and 2002.
Several of his teams earned berths in the NCAA Division III National Tournament (specifically his 1984, 2000, and 2002 squads).
Calvin University's official site and posts (e.g., alumni reunion or "legendary coach visits" posts) reference Pettinga as a respected "emeritus" coach who continues to have an alumni presence.
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🧑 Personal & Legacy
Pettinga is affectionately referred to as "Coach P" or "Coach Pettinga" by his former players and school community.
According to his GRCHS Hall of Fame bio, he and his wife Arlene have five daughters (Lisa, Cindy, Julie, Debra, Laurie), all of whom are GRCHS graduates.
His motto (quoted in his bio) references Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
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📌 Significance
Jeff Pettinga's long tenure (27 seasons) and multiple championships at Calvin highlight him as one of the more notable coaches in the region's college baseball history.
His earlier work at GRCHS shows a strong high‑school coaching foundation, which likely helped shape his later success.
The combination of educator, multi‑sport coach, and mentor in Christian school settings appears central to his legacy.
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