After September 14th’s football game against Reagan was rescheduled for that Wednesday, Hurricane Florence was avoided but another storm rose. Longtime Athletics Director Rusty Lee confirmed his retirement after 27 years with the Pirates. Lee will be stepping down officially on October 1st, but will not be easily forgotten in the Page community.
Teachers and coaches across the school applaud Lee’s work ethic and subsequent success. Head basketball coach Matthew Harder speaks on his first job as a varsity coach under Lee, “He took a gamble on me, believed in me, trusted me. I’ll be forever grateful for that.” Varsity sports announcer Dale Holder comments that much of Lee’s work isn’t seen by the public but crucial to the success of sports at Page.
During Lee’s tenure as Athletic Director, Page’s facilities have seen dramatic improvements. This includes the creation of both the Cone Field and Softball field, new concession stands for both the visiting and home sides at Marion Kirby, expansion of the weight room facilities, new hardwood flooring in the main gym as well as a new floor in the auxiliary gym. Furthermore, Lee has overseen the addition of many new sports at Page including Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Diving, and Indoor Track.
Lee’s legacy of hard work will be left in many state championships. Banners are hung for Men’s Tennis in 2000, 2001 and 2016, Men’s Soccer in 2009, and four consecutive state championships for Women’s Tennis from 2004 to 2007. Arguably the most memorable season in Lee’s career at Page was in 2011, when the Football team went 15-0 and won the state championship as well. Although I was only in fifth grade at the moment, I remember hearing updates about this game from the playground at Irving Park Elementary and feeling amazed when they escaped with the cup.
Through the years, Lee has shown dedication and consistency like no other at Page High School. While many principals and teachers have moved on, Lee has stayed his course and continued the tradition of great sports at Page. His retirement is the conclusion of a great age at Page Athletics, but also the genesis of a new chapter. Longtime colleague and Associate Athletic Director Debbie Jones asserts, ”Both on and off the field he has had a big impact on the school and all the athletes that have come through the doors here at Page High School, and it’s just been a positive influence.”
Quotes from Matthew Harder and Dale Holder courtesy of Greensboro News and Record.
