24/01/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southern Plains Football League Mourns the Passing of Tim Kirk
The Southern Plains Football League (SPFL) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Tim Kirk, Owner and Head Coach of the Mountain Lake Lakers and a respected member of the SPFL football community, whose dedication to the game and its people left a lasting impact. Tim passed on 1/17/26 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Tim Kirk’s football journey was marked by passion, leadership, and championship success. He began his coaching career in the Southern Plains Football League, where he helped lead the South Central Hawgs from 2016 to 2019. In 2016, Tim reached a milestone when the Hawgs captured not only the SPFL Championship, but also the National Nineman Championship in Oregon—an achievement that solidified his place among the league’s most accomplished leaders with his already successful high school coaching career with the Mountain Lake Wolverines..
Following his time with the Hawgs, Tim went on to found the Mountain Lake Lakers, building the organization alongside his sons, Jordan and Carter Kirk, and close family friends, the Harder family. What began as a football team grew into a family-centered organization built on commitment, camaraderie, and love for the game.
As Owner and Head Coach, the Mountain Lake Lakers have had significant success and currently are the four time consecutive SPFL Champions from 2022-2025 seasons. Tim was known for his leadership, competitive spirit, and genuine care for his players and staff. His influence extended beyond wins and losses, helping shape the culture of the SPFL and the broader Nineman football community.
The Southern Plains Football League extends its deepest condolences to Tim’s family, friends, players, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on through the teams he built, the championships he earned, and the countless individuals he inspired through football.
