As Liberty’s Steve Bradley and Freedom’s Mike Evans round their teams into shape, they both know how one person surely will be missed in the Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley golf circles.

Tim McGorry won’t be directing the Bethlehem Catholic team this fall.

McGorry, who retired from teaching theology at Becahi last year, decided earlier this year that it was time to pass the torch. He built a legacy in the program, and his presence touched numerous lives over his 17-year stay.

“Every golfer and person he met became a better person because of him,” reflected Bradley. “You could always count on Tim for the right answer, the decent answer, and the moral answer. He’s a fantastic guy and we coached a long time together. He was one of the best coaches the area has seen.

“Tim has been an ambassador for golf and for the (Allentown) Diocese,” added Evans. “Everything was positive with him, and everybody liked him. He helped players on my team, and so many others.

“He always held his players accountable and expected them to act as gentleman.”

McGorry cherished all the moments.

“It was a wonderful and great experience,” he said. “I had the chance to be surrounded by wonderful kids and coaches. I think all of the pandemic stuff made me think about retiring. I’m at the age where I can be vulnerable and my wife is still working.

“I was blessed with a competitive team every year until last year. We always were among the top five or so team in (the East Penn Conference (EPC). I was fortunate to have some really good players who were very good kids as well.”

McGorry took over the position when former head coach Jim Hutnik left to accept the same position at Lafayette, his alma mater.

“(Former athletic director) Bob Bukvics told me that Jim (Hutnik) was going to Lafayette and asked me if I wanted the job,” recalled McGorry. “I thought it would be a great opportunity, and I jumped at it.”

From there, McGorry was grateful to local USGA official Jeff Hall for his assistance with the transition.

“Jeff was just incredible in helping me learning how to play USGA events, not just a golf game,” said McGorry about Hall, whose son Ryan played for him. “it was such a great learning experience.”

McGorry also credited Karl Gilbert, who has extensively developed the Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley (GALV) that opened the door for his players and other to various tournaments.

“It’s unbelievable how many kids have played over the years,” said McGorry. “He (Gilbert) is responsible for a lot of kids playing college golf, and he runs a tight ship. Many of my kids over the years benefitted from the program.”

During his time, McGorry would strive to full develop his players.

“People would tell me that my kids were always respectful, and they were dependable and real gentlemen,” stated McGorry. “I remember how we would go over penalties before the season. Our kids would call penalties on themselves during matches.

“That was the beauty of the game. It helped build integrity for them. I was happy for them that the learned the game and the decorum behind it.”

For the past 17 years, the golfers at Becahi had the perfect person to teach them.