Coach Hale inspires, encourages

To the editor:Congratulations to the Notre Dame Bulldogs and coach Paul Hale for their outstanding season and success in the state basketball playoffs.

I was a fellow teacher with Coach Hale for 11 years at Bernie and became a big fan of his. Paul is one of the teachers who was an inspiration to all who had the opportunity to work with him as a faculty member of student. He is truly committed to excellence as a teacher. As a physical education and health teacher, he took the job seriously and provided students with unusual experiences.

What made Coach Hale unusual was his ability and willingness to help students in academic areas. He always inspired and encouraged me to do a better job in my own areas of responsibility. I walked in the gym before school or late in the afternoon and observed Coach Hale tutoring students around a ping-pong table. He is an excellent math student and could help students with advanced math classes. This was a time before the career ladder paid teachers to tutor.

Coach Hale is an excellent basketball coach. More importantly, he is an excellent teacher and role model for young men.

PHIL DAWSON, Bernie, Mo.