Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 6, 1992 TAG: 9202060488
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S13 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
THE COACH IS A TOP TEACHER, TOO
James River's Randolph Howard has always been one of Timesland's busiest coaches, but he considers himself, first and foremost, a teacher.So does James Madison University, which recently honored the longtime Knights coach by naming him the best high school chemistry teacher in Virginia.
Dr. James Leary of the JMU chemistry department says faculty members nominate the candidates for the award, given annually, and one of the critiques is how well teachers prepared students and what those students thought they got from their high school chemistry courses.
"The winner has to have a high opinion [of him] from his former students and we have to think they are well prepared," said Leary.
"I guess it's the greatest honor when students speak well of you," Howard said. "You've done something right. Most of the time, it doesn't happen that way."
Howard is assistant coach for boys' and girls' basketball and assistant baseball coach. He started James River's baseball program as head coach in 1971 and also has been the school's head football coach.
"I take greater pride in my teaching," said Howard. "As far as I'm concerned, sports is just a continuation of the classroom. The most important thing is education. More kids will have to get a job later in life than play pro sports.
"I've been at it [sports] for so many years and I've played a lot. Sometimes we get our priorities mixed up to where kids think athletics are more important than education."
Howard attended St. Paul's College and started coaching at James River because the school was asking for people to coach.
He's won no other academic awards. "I'm not one of those people who believe in awards. I believe in trying to do your job," said Howard.
The presentation of the award will be made in Harrisonburg on April 27.