Fish to return as coach, teacher

Friday, May 28, 2010
By Abby Watkins
Staff Writer

”For those who don’t know me, I’m Bob Fish, and I’m coming back.”

These were the words of former English teacher and cross country coach Bob Fish when he announced on Tuesday, May 25 that he would be returning to Mira Costa for the 2010-11 school year.

Though a tenured teacher at Mira Costa, Fish took a leave of absence at the start of the school year because of medical issues, he said. His classes were folded into other sections, and Darren Peters took over coaching cross country.

“It was a nice experience to get to see another style of coaching, but it definitely made me appreciate Mr. Fish,” senior Daniel Smith said.

Fish will be returning to his previous position as boys cross country coach, as well as working with the girls cross country coach Renee Williams-Smith; however, he won’t be doing the announcements.

“We were worried about finding a coach who could handle a program as huge as track, but Fish knows the ins and outs of coaching so well that we know he’ll go back to doing a great job,” Vice Principal  Paula Spence said.

In addition to teaching history and English, Fish will also be taking over as head of the track program, a position previously held by history teacher Steve Singiser.

“I think it’ll be good for him to be back. I think it’ll be good for the school for him to be back, and it’ll sure make my life a lot more interesting,” Singiser said.

Fish’s presence has been missed among cross country runners this year, as he has long been a fixture of the team.

“I’m really excited to end my cross country career the way I began it, with Bob Fish in command,” junior Nick Zobel said. “The experience and the leadership he brought to the team have been invaluable in helping us get to CIF.”

With his unique perspective and outspoken personality, Fish has become a perennial favorite among runners and members of the student body alike.

“He makes sure that every day at this place is never boring,” Singiser said. “This place has been less fun without him, and I’m looking forward to having him back.”