Kinzler Close-Up is our way of shining a spotlight on the amazing things our employee-owners are doing outside of work. This month we’re featuring Dayne Fazekas, the General Manager at the Kinzler Construction Services Tyler, TX location.
Dayne, the Texas Install General Manager, balances his professional role at Kinzler Construction Services with his profound dedication to youth baseball coaching. His involvement with the sport began when he graduated from high school, but it became more meaningful after he left the military and had children. “Coaching became an outlet for me as a form of therapy and a way to spend time with the family,” Dayne shares. It also allows him to help build self-confidence and accountability in today’s youth.
Dayne coaches two Select baseball teams, the 10U ETX Frogmen and the 13U ETX Fury, based in Bullard, Texas. He enjoys the important role that he plays in these kids’ lives and the opportunity to witness their development both as athletes and individuals. “The best part is to watch the kids grow and start believing in themselves like the coaches and parents already do,” he explains. He and his fellow coaches volunteer their time and efforts to make sure the sport is accessible to everyone. “Our teams are not pay-to-play like most select teams. We search for sponsorships and donations to help lower the cost to help families,” he adds.
Coaching has also had a significant impact on Dayne and his family. Through this experience, they’ve formed friendships that have lasted across state lines, with their boys keeping in touch with players from Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas. “It’s a heartfelt moment when you are out and about, and one of the kids you have coached runs up and says ‘Coach Dayne,’ then gives you a hug or tells you about where they are and how they are doing,” Dayne says.
His dedication to coaching has also brought success on the field, with his leagues ball team winning the district title three years in a row and even reaching the World Series, where they placed third. Yet, his most memorable moment came during a 10U wood bat tournament on Veterans Day, where his team of 8 and 9 year olds triumphed over teams with 10 and 11 year olds! “We started on Saturday at 9 am and won the Championship game at 4:32 pm. This is still and always will be the best memory and victory for the boys and me,” Dayne fondly recalls.
Dayne’s commitment to coaching reflects his values of integrity, dedication, and service. His selfless approach and the positive impact he’s made on young athletes are a testament to his deep sense of responsibility and contribution to his community.