WiNK

by: Sara Rieger

This week I got the chance to interview our Athletic Trainer, Director of Fields Maintenance, and Safety Committee Chair here at Wooster, Ron Hutchins. Unfortunately, Mr. Hutchins will not be working here next year, so I spoke with him reflecting on his past years here at Wooster and some of his favorite memories in our community.

When I asked Mr. Hutchins what stood out to him in his time here, and what made a significant impact on him, he answered, "The kids. Although all kids are different, kids are the same in the same way in terms of traits. And, I think at this place, it's really lucky to have kids that are so thoughtful, and compassionate, and kind, not only to themselves but to others, especially opponents. I don't really necessarily remember all the wins or the championships that I got to be on the sidelines for, but more kids picking up other kids, kids rising to the occasion, and for me that's what I will take away."

Over the years, there have been a variety of changes here at Wooster, and Mr. Hutchins has been there through almost all. He says, "I've seen the gym complex be built, I've seen the Middle School building be built, I've now seen the turf field be built, but I think what has changed, is what really hasn't changed. Which is how Wooster is true to itself, and it expresses itself differently then it did when I first got here. How it expresses itself has changed the most, but in the same way it has stayed the same with all of its core values."

Leaving is hard for everyone, change can be hard, as social factors change, routines change, but memories and experiences will always stay with you. "I thought the hardest part about leaving would be cleaning out my office and taking home everything that is mine, but I think understanding that an end isn't always an end in relationships, but a new beginning somewhere else. So I think getting over that hurdle, when I'm leaving this space, I got married here, my kid was baptized here, and there has been a lot of family stuff that has happened here, and I think knowing that those things don't just go away because I'm not going to work here anymore, and they are still great memories, will help me get over the fact that I won't be coming to Wooster everyday like I have for the years that I have been here."

Mr. Hutchins has worked here for a total 22 years and in his time he has been a substantial part of our Wooster community. He has helped numerous athletes, taught life lessons and sports med skills, and had an impact on every member of our school. He makes an effort to help everyone and always gives his best to do his job right, efforts that are learned here at Wooster which he helps implement. It will be hard knowing that Mr. Hutchins is leaving, but we all wish him luck in his future!