Asked to step into the varsity coaching job at Telstar for a year or two until another coach felt he was ready for the task, Lunney was reluctant. But he accepted.

Nearly 30 years later, Lunney is still coaching the Rebels — and dreading the bus rides.

“It’s just a temporary assignment,” Lunney said with a laugh.

Lunney is retiring from teaching at Telstar after 37 years, but he says he hasn’t made a decision on whether he’ll continue coaching. He’s been with the softball program for 29 years, and the golf team for 23.

“It’s a one-year contract, so I don’t have to make a decision on coaching for fall golf or next year’s softball,” Lunney said. “I can sit back and wait and make a decision when the time comes to make that decision.”

It had been widely discussed that this was Lunney’s last season with the softball program, but he insists he hasn’t made up his mind. He told fellow Mountain Valley Conference coaches that just last week.  He said he might be leaning toward retiring from coaching, but if the programs struggle to find replacements, he may be back.

“I don’t want either one of the programs to not have a coach,” Lunney said. “So if someone doesn’t apply, I’ll stay on and coach. I don’t want to see the programs fall because there’s nobody to coach. If someone applies and they’re fine with it, and (athletic director) Gail (Wight) is fine with it, than I’ll be fine with it.”

The Rebels have been a traditional power in the MVC during his tenure. Telstar has won three state championships and six regional titles in his three decades. When he took two years off, the program’s record plummeted. 

Lunney says he’ll miss being in the classroom, but admits it is time to do something else. He’s looking forward to visiting family in the South and having more opportunity to play golf and see his grandchildren. He also admitted that if he retires as a head coach, he’d be glad to help as an assistant.

But Lunney isn’t really thinking about all that at the moment. He’s had discussions with family and friends, but otherwise, it has been put on the back shelf. He’ll decide when he needs to decide.

“We’ll play that by ear and we’ll see,” Lunney said. “I still feel good, and I don’t mind the coaching part, but if someone comes along, maybe it’s time.”

Lunney’s focus is now on the postseason. Telstar is in contention for another Class C South title this spring. The Rebels won the regional crown last year and lost in the state championship. With seven seniors in the starting lineup, the Rebels are poised for another title run.

“The defense is playing well,” Lunney said.

The Rebels are seeded second at 14-2.

“The offense, hopefully, will come around,” Lunney said. “(Pitcher) Olivia (York) is throwing well and had another good year. It comes down to playing better than the other team. I’m hoping the offense will pick up. You’ve got to play each day as it comes and just out play the other team.”

The Rebels host either Winthrop or Monmouth Thursday in a quarterfinal game. Telstar defeated the  Ramblers 6-1 and swept the Mustangs 5-0 earlier in the year and 8-4 in the regular season finale. From there, the Rebels could meet Lisbon or Carrabec in the semifinals. Telstar beat both by a run. A rematch with Madison in the regional final also looms large. The Rebels lost to the Bulldogs in the regular season 3-1, but beat top-seeded Madison in the regional final last year.

“You’ve got to be able to score runs and you’ve got to be able to prevent runs,” Lunney said. “I think the kids feel good about where they are.”

The Rebels have a senior-laden team led by a seasoned infield. York is surrounded by seniors Ashley Savage at third, Becca Howard at short, Lisa Gammon at second and junior Tehya Johnson at first. Seniors Hayley Peterson and Dharma Damon are veterans in the outfield. 

“I think we rely on that (experience),” Lunney said. “We have been here before. We know it’s a seven-inning game. Getting behind or getting ahead, you still have to play all seven, and you have to get every out you can.”

Lunney’s Rebels have been tested this season. Telstar lost to Madison and Oak Hill in close games. The Rebels rallied from behind to beat Lisbon, and have shown an ability to be clutch with the big hit or aggressive on the bases when runs are scarce.

“We’ve come from behind before,” Lunney said. “We’ve gotten a lead and held on. We’ve found a way, and that’s what we want to do.”

kmills@sunjournal.com