Mike Argraves coaching at Santa Rita (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)
Mike Argraves was a longtime coach, father figure and mentor to hundreds of kids and coaches in the Tucson area. He coached our kids for almost 32 years and his passing will be felt across many generations, from grandparents to grandchildren yet to be born. To put it simply, he touched a lot of lives both in his day job – taking care of special needs children – or in his night job – guiding our kids in the many gyms across our city.
200 plus coaching victories does not even begin to measure the impact Mike had on our children. It does not matter that they came from Tucson, Cholla or Santa Rita – they were our kids, all of them.
(Family photo)
His son, Justin, followed in his father’s footsteps and began coaching at a very young age and he landed his first head coaching job in 2007 at the age of 23 and he hasn’t looked back. Mike proudly wore a “Tucson High” shirt on the Badger’s sideline and his all too familiar “coaching face” was transformed into the smile of a father watching his son work. You could literally touch the pride coming from his smile.
Immortality? We are all destined to join those who came before us. Immortality comes through our children and through our children’s children.
Justin’s wife Lindsey gave birth to a beautiful daughter on December 6. There will be a day when Justin will be watching Blakely play or coach and there will be smile on his face also. I am sure of it.
“This morning Heaven gained a tremendous husband of 36 years, father, grandfather, brother and coach who just so happened to be my best friend,” Justin wrote this afternoon. “I learned everything from my dad and am so grateful for the time spent together. The love expressed to our family has been incredible during this tough time. It’s amazing to see just how many lives he had a positive impact on. Your legacy will forever carry on and thanks for everything you taught me. Love you dad!”
Services and family wishes are to follow. Our prayers to Randy and to the Argraves family.
2016 Fall Sport All-Stars
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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and has been a youth, high school and college coach for over 30 years. His own children have won multiple state high school championships and were named to all-state teams. Competing in hockey, basketball, baseball and track & field in high school, his unique perspective can only be found here and on AZPreps365.com. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com
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