Interview with Varsity Softball Coach Jason Gehoski

I had the opportunity to interview the 2016 Saginaw Valley League teacher of the year. Also a math teacher, Varsity softball coach, and J.V. Football coach for Herbert Henry DOW High School. He has been at DOW for 14 years. From this interview you will see he enjoys what he does. One will also get insight on being a coach and teacher from this interview.

The interview went as followed

1. How has coaching affected your life?

“Number of ways. I see coaching as an extension to teaching, Just a different topic. Coaching makes me appreciate hard work because I can see it pay off in my players and students. Coaching has also helped me in the classroom, I have learned to become more patient and realistic with students.”

2.What role do you believe athletics play in a student’s development?

“Athletics to activities are very important in a student’s development. Any activities are very important, whether that be athletics all the way to the fine arts. Students should be involved with their high school. It helps with pride, expands their horizons, helps them deal with highs and lows, successes and defeats.”

3.What is the most challenging part of the job? And why.

“Trying to explain to the students how they will use the math being taught in the classroom in real world situations. I want students to learn and love mathematics. I want to teach them to have the desire to be lifelong learners.”

4.What Brings you the most joy from your job? And why.

“Seeing kids be successful in anything they do. That includes in other classes, other sports outside the one’s I coach. Really watching these kids come in as 9th graders and walking across the stage to get their degree. I enjoy watching them overcome challenges over the years and become successful.”

5.Finally, with playoffs right around the corner, what are your expectations on the rest of the season?

“The team is working hard every day and getting better every day. We just got to ask ourselves are we better than we were yesterday? We have had a tough season, but I can see us getting better every day. We gotta play the game, anything can happen. We can definitely be a spoiler.”