The West Liberty-Salem School Board started their special board meeting Thursday by honoring long-time cross country and track & field coach Ann Vogel with an award to express their thanks for her 32 years of service. Pictured, from left, are: Kraig Hissong, school superintendent; Vogel; Patrick Adams, board president; and Morgan Sullivan, athletic director. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
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“You are a legend, and we thank you for your service.”
This sentiment, expressed by Patrick Adams, West Liberty-Salem (WL-S) school board president, captured the feelings staff and students alike have for long-time cross country and track & field coach Ann Vogel.
Vogel recently decided to retire after being with the school for 32 years. In gratitude, the school board presented her with a plaque displaying her numerous, legendary achievements.
Adams and several others shared their thoughts at the beginning of a special board meeting on Thursday, July 11. High school principal Greg Johnson thanked her not just as a principal but as a parent.
Athletic director Morgan Sullivan also spoke. “The impact you’ve had probably reaches farther than you even realize. And I know you’ll still be a part of this community and continue to do great things.”
In closing, Adams said, “You have touched many lives.”
As for Vogel, she knows she will look back at her years at WL-S as a special time in her life. For her, the experience was far more than a job.
“To be able to work with so many wonderful young women and see them achieve goals and learn to believe in themselves … it really became a calling,” she admitted. “That was my main purpose for coaching.”
Vogel also praised her fellow coaches, stating their many years of success was “definitely a group effort.”
Even in retirement, Vogel plans to stick to that calling by continuing to advocate for young women in sports.
Vogel’s accomplishments include: Cross Country — 26 conference championships, 10 district championships,, nine regional championships, 12 state appearances, including second place in 2019, three-time Southwest District Cross Country Coach of the Year; Track & Field — 19 conference championships, five district championships, two regional championships, 2019 and 2021 state championships, two-time Southwest District Track & Field Coach of the Year, 2019 USTFCCCA Ohio Coach of the Year.
The plaque ends with the statement: “Coach Vogel’s mentorship extended far beyond athletics, impacting her athletes, the Tigers and Big Orange programs, West Liberty-Salem High School, the community, the state of Ohio and beyond.
“Her legacy of excellence and integrity is immeasurable.”
This article originally published in the Saturday, July 13, 2024 edition of the Examiner.
