At the end of December, Marko Hahn, the Athletic Director of Salida High School, will be parting ways with the school district. For the past four and a half years, Hahn has organized events and designated spaces for the extracurriculars of the high school.
One of the many accomplishments that Hahn got to observe when working with students in an extracurricular was when the Boys’ Cross Country team won the state championship. “I have had a lot of high level success in sports, but have never been able to win a State Championship,” explained Hahn.
With four and a half years at Salida High School, Hahn has made many memories in this community. One of his key moments of the community was when the Boys’ Soccer team had their send off to state. He described driving through both Salida and Buena Vista with the teams, and seeing people line the streets. Hahn said, “This moment is something that I have been trying to accomplish by having everyone in Chaffee County understand we are 2 schools but 1 community.” Along with valuing community connection, Hahn wanted to make it clear to students in the agricultural world that they were welcome in Salida High School. One of the prime examples of him showcasing this belief was when he rode his horse, Buck, in the Homecoming Parade.
While he has connected with students within the school system, he has also connected with students on a level beyond just organizing their activities. “I loved seeing them outside the school at events like rodeos, county fair, and simply seeing them in the community,” Hahn said.
For anybody taking on his position, Hahn advises them to make choices based on what they think is best for the kids. “They must understand that regardless of what decision you make, there will be someone that does not like it. But make sure that whatever decision you make is what is best for the kids,” he said.
Hahn explained, “I do not know yet what is next for me, but as long as I am following the Lord’s will, and not my own will, everything will be okay.”
Wherever Marko Hahn ends up following his time at SHS, we wish him luck!
