Jerry "Mac" McElroy who taught and coached in Watertown from 1961-1996. "Mac" taught physical education, science and drivers education, plus coached several sports in his 35 years in the school system. He received many awards while coaching that include the SD Track Coach of the Year, SD Cross-Country Coach of the Year, and he was inducted into the SD High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Throughout his teaching and coaching tenure from 1954-1996 in Tripp, Woonsocket and Watertown, "Mac" touched the lives of students and adults alike. The enthusiasm he had for young people was felt by everyone that he taught and coached. He was genuinely interested in every person and served as an excellent role model. As a basketball referee in his spare time, Jerry also touched the lives of students and adults in surrounding area towns.
"A man who truly loved kids and enjoyed coaching and teaching. Always a big smile!" A quote I remember from football practice, "This is not tough! When I played, I could fold up my helmet and put it in my back pocket!"
Here's another... Our sophomore basketball team wasn't very good. At practice, on a day while he was assigning us to run the steps in the arena (probably 100 times) Coach Mac said, "We may not be very good and may not win many games, but we will be in the best condition and have the best looking cheerleaders in the ESD conference!"
Another memory is how Jerry would tease Dale McElhany that Dale was Mac#2 and he (Jerry) would always be Mac#1.
There should be more Jerry McElroy's in the world! Tim Kosier '66