Former TF coach honored

Anyone who graduated from Thompson Falls High School is familiar with the name Randy Symon. Whether he was your elementary PE teacher, your coach, or taught you how to drive, Randy Symon was there. But getting nominated for the Montana Coaches Association Hall of Fame had never been on the front of the retired Thompson Falls Track and Field coach's mind, until two lifelong friends took it into their own hands and got to work.

"Everyone said this award was something that should have been done a long time ago, but it was never anything I planned or expected." Symon explained.

Symon has over four decades of coaching experience, from junior high girls basketball to high school track and field. He also did many years of refereeing. Symon said that he is humbled, and"having an impact on the lives of student athletes is what is most important"

Not only does this award look at the services and success of being a coach but also how he impacted the school and community. When asked why he coached for as long as he did, Symon said that while he had a passion for the sports, it was really the connection with the kids that kept him coming back year after year. "It's been really an honor and so meaningful that the Montana Coaches Association has recognized my hard work," Symon stated.

Symon said while he has many fond memories, one of the best memories from coaching is the many years the track team won districts, taking first 19 times between the years of 1997-2017. Symon went on to thank John Hamilton and Randy Roberts for taking the time to nominate him.