Barlow reflects on years at SHS

Bill Barlow has worn many hats during his 24 years at Sandpoint High School. He's been a student-athlete, teacher, head football coach, a softball and basketball coach, an administrator and most recently dean of students.

Friday marked his final day on the job at Sandpoint high school. After thousands of trips from Coeur d'Alene to Sandpoint, after helping mold thousands of students and athletes, Barlow begins the next phase of his life.

Daily Bee sports editor Eric Plummer sat down with Barlow on Friday andasked him to reflect upon his time in Sandpoint.

? What does retirement hold in store for you?

I'm going to spend a lot of time with my family. I've got a son that plays college baseball over on the coast and I'm going to go watch him play. I'm not going to sit back and do nothing, I'll find something to wrap my hands around. I like to do a lot of golfing and do the normal things around the house.

? What's the best thing about watching a football game at Barlow Stadium?

Unlike many stadiums, the number one thing about Barlow Stadium that's incredible is when you walk in and see the atmosphere. The stands are really close to the field. On a good night you can look up and see a full moon over the lake and it's just an environment, and a surrounding and a climate that's very rare. Opposing coaches have come up and said they're just delighted to be in the stadium because they want their kids to experience that atmosphere. It's just an incredible high school arena. The stadium is so close to the field you can just feel the electricity.

? What will you miss most about being around the high school atmosphere?

It sounds kind of hokey, but what I'm going to miss the most is my interaction with the kids and students. As dean of students, I've dealt with everything from advance placement students to kids on the verge of dropping out. I've always been kind of a link between the teachers and the students, and I'm really going to miss that dialog and interaction with kids and trying to help them be successful.

? What will you miss the least?

I travel 18,000 miles a year, and about 350 hours a year. I'm not going to miss that trip up and down the highway. I've dodged some bullets on occasion, and thought it's just a matter of time before something happens.

? What's the essence of high school sports?

High school sports gives a student an opportunity to experience things that go way beyond the classroom environment. I've always been a fan that kids should play as many sports as they possibly can, to experience competition, discipline, interaction and communication. Kids that involve themselves in activities really gain from the commitment that it takes.

? How would you like to be remembered at Sandpoint High School?

As a guy that contributed a positive to the climate of the school through my relationship with students and teachers and community. I hope when people remember me they remember a guy that was committed to what he was doing and cared about people.

? What's the secret to the success of Sandpoint Athletics?

Sandpoint is unique. If you looked at us a few years ago, we tied the state record with seven state titles. In order for kids to be successful here, it takes support from the community. Historically, we've had that support and it's been never ending. It's that touch with the community that a lot of places don't have that gives you the opportunity to be successful.

? Did you once take the football team through the stands before a game?

At one point our team was very competitive, we were on the verge of getting in the state playoffs. I thought they needed an edge. The thought occurred to me that maybe we'll just pull these guys through the stands. We exited the locker room on the back side of the stadium and came right through the bleachers and people just went bananas. It kind of picked things up a notch and the electricity flowed dramatically because the parents got to see their kids up close and personal.

? Were you once sued for not starting a player?

We were playing in the Kibbie Dome in Moscow and I got served papers on the sidelines in pre-game for not playing a player.

? What's been the emotion of your last day?

It's two-fold. When you sit down and think about it, you get kind of frightened about what your future is going to be. You see people that you've worked with for 24 years, and you hope you're still able to connect with that persona and don't lose sight of my friendships. Kind of a mixed bag of emotions. I'm relieved that I don't have to drive that road anymore.

? What do you consider your greatest achievement in all your years at Sandpoint?

I came in as head football coach and was able to kind of bring the community together and the players together because we had some success. That kind of rekindled the interest of the community in the football arena. I really cherish those memories. As dean of students, I served as a link between the students and faculty, and was able to help mediate a lot of problems the students had. I was able to give teachers suggestions on how to deal with difficult students. I was profoundly affected by the response of the teachers.

? Favorite book?

I read James Patterson novels. I'm kind of into his series.

? Favorite movie?

Hard to say, it's been a while since I've gone to one. I think One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is one of my favorites.

? Any CD playing in your car right now?

I just got through driving up here from Coeur d'Alene and Jimmy Buffet and I had a nice trip.