Trio Joins HFF - Long Time Coaches/Teachers Feel It's TimeTrio Joins in Leading the Hodag Facilities Foundation. With over 100 years in education, 95 of them in Rhinelander, George Baksic, Steve Jensen, and Jeff Scandin have several things in common: love of teaching, a belief in the importance of participation in activities and a desire to see the Hodag Facilities Foundation achieve its goals.Baksic taught in Rhinelander for 30 years after a 5 year stint in Mt. Morris, MI. While at Rhinelander, he coached successful wrestling and cross country teams. Steve Jensen, a 1962 RHS graduate, returned to Rhinelander in 1968 after teaching in Eau Claire for 2 years. he spent the next 33 years teaching physical education. Along the way, he racked up a number of conference championships while Head Boy's Swimming Coach and has continued to coach golf after his retirement. Jeff Scandin also came to Rhinelander in 1968, joining Jensen in the physical education department. He coached football and tennis for many years in both the assistant and head positions. Although retired from teaching, Scandin continues to serve the district in several capacities including supervising the weight room, which he helped to develop. Last December, the three stepped forward to volunteer their services, becoming charter board members of the Hodag Facilities Foundation. In addition, Jensen and Scandin were elected to the Executive Committee, with Scandin serving as Vice President. When asked about their deep and long-timne commitment to activities, Baksic stated, "Interscholastic activities account for only 2-2.5% of the budget. It is the most effective expenditure we have... For social and emotional development, you can't get everything in the classroom that you can get out of activities." Scandin added, "I've had more kids come up to me and say 'Thanks for teaching me disciple, respect, and how to compete." When I talk to kids who are now 45 or 48, and they say a coach was the most influential person in their life, it makes me want to work harder," said Jensen. Since 1958, when the existing RHS was opened, the number of teams and participants using the school district facilities has increased over 500%, putting an enormous strain on these facilities and forcing practices to be held in a number of alternate locations at all hours. "I don't think it's fair for our kids that we don't have places to actually practice. Kids are all over the place at all times of the night," said Scandin. "Family structure is falling apart, they need to be home for dinner, talking with their parents about what they did that day." Scandin believes the biggest challenge is the district's inability to provide adequate dedicated practice space and points to gymnastics as a prime example. "I admire Kathy Lundberg, I couldn't do what she does every day," referring to the fact that the gymnastics program is forced to practice in commons, hallway and cafeteria. The need for increased space is not a new issue. In fact, according to Jensen, the original plan for the existing high school building had a 3rd gymnasium and a 6th lane in the swimming pool. Although the need was anticipated, the plans were revised to save money. The three are putting their time and energy into seeing that the communities need for facilities is met. Scandin said, "I couldn't think of a better place to have raised my kids than Rhinelander, Wisconsin. It's safe, clean, good school system, great teachers. My kids are both successful, and they speak highly of this district - they'll always be HODAGS." Jensen feels that "the community has given me alot. This is a good way for me to give back. It's something I believe in. I believe in this so strongly that for the rest of my life I will support the concept of expansion." Baksic states "We're a class A school. We should have class A facilities." Jensen agrees, "We've done well - but we can do better - our kids deserve better! Better buildings - better facilities. IT'S HIGH TIME WE GO FIRST CLASS." |
