"I want the emphasis to be on the kids. I am committed to the seniors here, and have assured the younger guys here that the tone and the mood of the team will not change. We have a great bunch of kids. But we are going to keep working hard and enjoying the year," said Macauley. "We have good people here, and I wanted to assure the kids that we will keep the same values out there. We don't know who will take over, but we will make a decision that maintains what we have built. I really want to make sure that the philosophy and what we are doing with the kids transfers."

As the school has grown and matured, the demands on the principal have continued to expand. Above all, Macauley wants to make sure that he brings the excellence to administration that he has brought to the sports field.

"I think it is very reasonable to have your principal not coaching. It will give me a little more time, and I love the direction that the school is headed. The plans for the future are great and I want to make sure that I am pulling my weight." Macauley said.

Sisters School District Superintendent Elaine Drakulich said Macauley is "…an exceptional principal. We are looking forward to that sole focus on the high school principalship. Bob has also agreed to help us recruit for his replacement. So we are getting the best of all worlds. He is fantastic, a  real quality guy."

Macaulley’s Outlaws reached the 4A championship game last season, losing in overtime to the Siuslaw Vikings. The Outlaws also captured the 3A championship in 1998 and 1999, going undefeated both years. And with the leading single season and career rusher in the history of Oregon High School football at any level returning in Cory McCaffrey, as well as an experienced returning quarterback in Jarred Hasskamp, the weapons are there for the Outlaws to send Macaulley out on top.

Drakulich noted "I have, we have, an exceptional coach here, evidenced by the relationships that he has built throughout the years. The strong skill development, not to mention that his win-loss record has been incredible."

For Macauley, after this season, the change will be a big one. "I have been walking onto a field every year for the last 37 years, either playing or coaching, so it will feel a little different," he said. "The game has been good to me. It got me through college, paid for my education. I got a chance to go to Canada and play for the CFL (Canadian Football League) for a couple of years, yuk it up with some people I didn't know, and even learn some Canadian English. And then, coming back and being able to be in the game as a head coach.”

It will be a big change for opponents as well, as one of the requirements to win the championship most years at the then 3A, and after redistricting, 4A level, has been to figure out a way to beat Bob and his guys.

CC 

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it