This Week’s Summary – Remembering Coach Todd McDougall

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By Tom Rohrer

Over the course of his life, Todd McDougall filled a lot of roles in the Olympia community – husband, father, coach, teacher, mentor, friend and inspirational figure.

After a seven month battle with brain cancer, McDougall passed away this past week with his loving and strong-willed wife, Julie, by his side.

The longtime baseball coach at Olympia High School, McDougall also was an English teacher at the school, crossing over the line between sports and academics very easily.

This past spring, with McDougall unable to coach, the OHS baseball team used his inspiration to rally for another Narrows League title and a deep run in the 4A tournament.

“We can’t fill Todd’s shoes, and we’re not Todd unfortunately,” said Greg Creighton, an assistant for McDougall before taking over head coaching duty, during the early portion of the Bears season. “One of the things we talk about is what Coach McDougall would do in this situation, because he knows what he wanted and the kids always responded to that.”

The kids certainly did respond, and so did the surrounding community.  Fundraisers and support were offered by the citizens of Olympia to the McDougall family.  One of those fundraisers was the “Miles For McDougall” event held near Capitol Lake in April.

“The family has been so strong,” said Karen Steen, who organized the fundraiser. “The fact that the community has come together like this is great, because that’s what the McDougalls deserve.”

Certainly, the legacy of Todd McDougall, whether he’s remembered as a coach, a friend, a dad, or a husband, will last a lifetime.

For additional reading about Coach McDougall’s impact on the community, select one of these stories:

A memorial service for Todd McDougall is scheduled for August 9 at 4:00 pm at Saint Martin’s University.  A reception will follow at the Olympia High School commons.

 

 

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