By: Tim Carpenter, former FSC Sports Information Director (1996-2019)
Florida Southern College is mourning the loss of former Sports Information Director Wayne Koehler, who passed away on Thursday, June 18 at the age of 65.
A nearly lifelong Moccasin, Wayne came to Florida Southern from St. Petersburg as a student in 1981 when he began working in the college's sports information office. After graduating with a degree in public relations and advertising in 1983 and was quickly hired to fill the open position of sports information director, and for the better part of four decades, was a prominent member of the college family even after his retirement in 2019. Though he held multiple titles during his career, including assistant public relations director, he is best remembered for his 15 years as SID from 1983-95, and again from 1999-2002.
During that time, Wayne set the standard for future athletic communication offices, not only at FSC, but throughout the Sunshine State Conference, for which he also served as publicity director from 1986-88. He was inducted into the SSC Hall of Fame in 2005 (the first sports information director to ever earn that honor), and two years later, into the Florida Southern Athletic Hall of Fame.
Wayne was recognized several times for his award-winning publications by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and became a well-known figure in college athletics around the country. He twice served as a national coordinator for CoSIDA's annual media guide contest, served three terms on CoSIDA's NCAA Legislation Liaison Committee, and was a member of the host committee for the 1999 CoSIDA National Convention in Orlando, marking the first time the event was held in Florida.
Wayne worked tirelessly to promote the students and coaches at Florida Southern, many of whom would continue to seek his expertise long after their graduation or departure. He was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about the Moccasin athletic program and the Sunshine State Conference as a whole. If Wayne didn't know the exact answer off the top of his head, he would work until he found it.
In addition to his work at Florida Southern, Wayne was active elsewhere in the Lakeland sports community, whether it was working as public address announcer for Bartow High School football and the Lakeland Tigers, or in other locations when asked. Sometimes it was simply volunteering his time as a photographer, graphic designer, or unofficial historian, bringing to light the accomplishments of many local athletes both past and present.
Known for his quick wit, his love and vast knowledge of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Reds, and Florida Gators, and a collection of music that spanned the decades (but especially the 60s and 70s), Wayne's reserved manner and big heart earned him many friends during his years in Lakeland. His reputation as a dependable friend was well-earned and went far beyond the time he spent on campus or at various college events. Through his dedication to Florida Southern and the people he met in his many years with the Moccasins, Wayne leaves a legacy that will be felt for much longer than the years he served.
