David Bailey
High School Honors
Post-High School Career
Lincoln High School teacher since 1968. Cross Country Coach 45 years (1968-2013). 23 PIL Girls' titles and 13 Boys' titles; State champion Girls, 1978. Assistant Track Coach 1970-77 and 1982-2009, Head Coach 1977-81; Girls' PIL Track Titles 1977-82; State Champions 1980. Metro League Cross Country Coach of the Year, 2011.Taught Journalism and was adviser to the student newspaper for 42 years; presently teaches Government/Economics.
Commentary
One of the greatest joys of my teaching career was being able to leave the classroom at the end of the day, dress down, and coach our runners in an arena where everyone could meet with success regardless of skills simply by putting one foot in front of the other and repeating.
Watching them meet with that success while dealing with the highs and lows that come with adolescence and tackling challenges despite often times considerable obstacles has had a profound influence on my life.
Maintaining contact over the years with many of the runners and learning that they are still out on the trails, sometimes now with their own children, is reward and inspiration by itself. I remain grateful for having had the opportunity to work with wonderful athletes, and add to that a gentlemanly group of PIL coaches for whom I have the utmost respect.
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