That's been bothering Racine for awhile so, as a proud, doting father, he did what his heart told him to do and resigned as the Colts' coach on Tuesday, Nov. 13, ending a nine-year tenure that was highlighted by two Morris County Tournament championships, a sectional title and a Group I crown.
"I don't want to miss them playing," Racine said of Sarah, a seventh grader at Valleyview Middle School in Denville, and Rebecca, a fourth grader. "It goes too fast."
Racine was quick to point out that "I won't lose my touch" because he'll be coaching kids club soccer.
That "touch" produced 539 victories, 410 while at the helm of Morris Catholic. Throughout his stints with the Colts and the Crusaders, Racine amassed 12 group, eight MCT and 22 conference titles. His win total is fifth all-time among girls varsity soccer coaches.
Stepping down was not easy, according to Racine. He met with his players on Wednesday and informed them of his decision.
"There were tears all around," Racine said. "The older girls knew it was coming. They understand why I'm doing this now. They know it's what's best for the program.
"We have a good team coming back. There are a lot of talented younger players in the program. They could potentially be the best team Kinnelon has ever had. The situation was the same when I left Morris Catholic. A year later, they won a state championship. This group has a good chance for continuity."
Athletic director Scott Rosenberg, a volunteer assistant coach, is upset that Racine won't be in Kinnelon's coaching ranks anymore. Rosenberg, the head coach at Morris Hills before becoming an AD, learned much from Racine.
"Personally, this is a sad day for me," Rosenberg said. "Having been a head coach, I was looking forward to seeing what this legend had to offer. I learned not only about soccer but about life from Steve.
"What stands out most is his drive. His foot is on the gas and it's to the floor all the time. Steve demands perfection from those who play for him. They're always prepared. It's a relentless pursuit of perfection."
Rosenberg felt that not many coaches would want him around. However, Racine didn't mind.
"I couldn't do what I did with just anybody," Rosenberg said. "It had to be someone with self-confidence so they wouldn't be looking over their shoulder."
When Racine started at Kinnelon, girls soccer was struggling. He had four objectives he wanted to achieve: That opposing teams wouldn't perceive the Colts as an automatic "W," to create an expectation that they could be successful, to prepare players for college soccer and to compete for a championship every year.
He accomplished that and more. Prior to the county and state tournaments, Rosenberg brought the players into the gym to view the banners representing the many high points of Kinnelon soccer.
"I wanted the girls to see what was done in recent years," Rosenberg said. "Before that, there was nothing. Steve has had an amazing run."
Racine is comfortable with his decision. However, he realized what it meant at the team's season-ending dinner.
"It all hit me at the banquet," he said. "I've been coaching for 30 years. That's a long time. I was thinking that there will be no more banquets for me. It's bittersweet but it's what's best."
