Bloomington High School’s Szabo keeps his passion after 33 years

Posted on March 1, 2015

Retiring BHS athletic director John Szabo was presented a souvenir basketball jersey while students put on fake mustaches to honor him during a basketball game last week. (Photos courtesy Bloomington High School)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Much of an athletic director's work is behind the scenes and goes unnoticed. Bloomington High School made an exception this week.

The school honored its retiring athletic director of 22 years and track and cross country coach of 33 years – John Sazbo.

"I don't like (the recognition). It's not about me," Szabo said. "It's about the kids, but it was definitely was a great appreciation for everyone to notice all the years and the efforts tat I did put in, so it was very special.

Szabo was presented the number 33 BHS basketball jersey marking each of his years at the school and students also wore fake mustaches in his honor. He was honored during the boys basketball game against Peoria Manual which the Purple Raiders won on a buzzer beater.

"It was pretty emotional, physically and mentally draining," Szabo said.

Olympic athletes, pro football players and All-Americans have all walked the halls of Bloomington High School over the years. Szabo has seen them all and said it's those athletes he'll miss most.

"That's the toughest part of leaving," Szabo said. "I'm, not going to miss the early mights but I will miss our student athletes the most."

He added he plans to attend sporting events next year, but isn't sure how many. Szabo, 56, said he will look forward to slowing down a bit.

"After going 90 miles an hour everyday for along time and all the nights," Szabo said. "I'm not going to be someone that just sits at home."

Szabo said he might continue to coach track and cross country. The school is currently interviewing candidates as it seeks a successor.

His advice to whoever succeeds him: "They just need to be committed to put in the time, and have a passion for this. If you don't have a passion for this and working for kids, it's not going to work out."

Szabo says he lived with all of the ups and downs that each of his Purple Raider athletes have experienced over the years. Fortunately for him, there have more far more successes than  failures.

PODCAST: Listen to WJBC's interview with Szabo. http://www.stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=711&c=3911&f=4063943
 
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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