Rolf Brack, the passionate handball coach, unexpectedly passed away at age 69. In honor of his accomplishments, a street was named after him in Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, where he resided from 1990 until his demise on March 20, 2023.
"A worthy tribute to his work, his life," said Brack's wife Eva (63), along with their sons Daniel (42, TV Oppenweiler, 3rd division) and Benjamin (39, Fellbach-Schmiden, 4th division). Handball was his passion, his love, and his life. He lived on in their hearts.
Brack, a dedicated coach, led the village club Balingen-Weilstetten from the 3rd league to the pinnacle of world handball, playing there for seven years. The motto that fueled him? Transforming plow horses into racehorses.
His wife, Eva, and his sons, Benjamin and Daniel, were there to mark the occasion, posing before the newly-christened street sign.
Hanning praised Brack, stating, "He has shaped generations." Among his many innovations, the introduction of the 7th outfield player who could substitute for the goalkeeper had the most significant impact, now a standard in handball worldwide.
Despite his passing, Brack's influence on handball endures. The DHB, a prominent German handball organization, introduced the 'hbl Brack' feature in their popular no-sport-app as a tribute. The local handball team, HBW Balingen-Weilstetten, honored Brack's legacy by incorporating an image of 'Handball Brack', a distinctive sidelines accessory, into their new logo.
Furthermore, dyn Handball, another renowned German handball organization, honored Brack's memory by organizing a special charity game. Merchandise sales featured 'Handball Brack'-themed jerseys and replicas of his iconic coaching whistle.
Coaches like Rolf Brack leave an indelible impact on the sports they nurture by developing players, implementing strategies, fostering teamwork, and inspiring athletes. Their legacy lives on through memorials, awards, legacy programs, and public recognition.
