Flight of the Falcon

My husband has been a teacher at Central High School in Woodstock for more than 20 years. Maybe more than 25 - I have only been around for the last 10.

And while he still teaches a math class, his primary job this year has changed to Athletic Director. It is a job that suits him perfectly. He loves athletics. He has been a head coach of football, softball and JV girls basketball. He has coached track and helped with baseball. He was a basketball referee when his knees were still fresh and his belly did not resemble a basketball. For eight years, he was an umpire for softball and baseball - even college softball.

His 30+ year career has led to this job. It just makes sense and I am so glad that the school chose him to do this job. Many might have felt a younger person should hold the job, but in this case I think the years of experience have added coal to the fire and created the ideal AD.

I am sure he will make a mistake or two. That comes when you are in a position where decisions must be made. But I know he will make those decisions with the main criterion being what is best for the student athletes.

He told the parents at a special meeting that at this time in his life he could retire and find an easier job. (If I had been there I might have been tempted to laugh out loud at the idea of him taking it easy...) Instead, he has chosen to work those stiff knees and crank out that creaking body and follow his heart which is full of passion for athletics.

He won't read this because he doesn't have time for things like blogs and Facebook and the like. In fact, he is disdainful of all of these things because he is someone who wants to be in the thick of things, not in the thin of things along the sidelines writing about what is going on.

The new job has definitely has had an impact on the time we spend together, but so far it seems that he is making an effort to make that time count a little more. He picked me up at work the other day and took me out to dinner because he knew my day had been a long one.

I am truly proud of him. So many people worry about the children who are growing up today, but I know that my husband and people like him work every day, most evenings and lots of weekends to have a positive impact on our young people.

When I go to games, I listen to parents and friends and students cheer on the athletes, cheerleaders and band members. I may be the only one on the hill cheering for the AD, but he is always #1 in my book.