Quiet Giants : Pat Vickroy effort to motivate and encourage them . “ I would never have free play , everything was structured and impactful ,” Vickroy said . “ It was exhausting , but they would come in so excited they would want to come back .”
Gene Sakahara , former Assistant Superintendent of GUSD Human Resources , said Vickroy modeled the behavior and skills kids needed . “ Pat was very big on collaborative practices for all the kids and teachers . Instead of competitive games it was more teamwork oriented ... building the skills , the coordination , balance , and probably most important , active participation ,” Sakahara said .
Vickroy ’ s program consisted of bi-weekly half-hour sessions taught by himself and three other PE specialists . Soon after the program began , however , the staff , and class time , was cut in half . The limitations only motivated Vickroy all the more . “ If I was going to see the kids so minimally I had to do things that were going to impact their lives every single day ,” he said .
In an attempt to discourage the typical playground target games like dodgeball , which pitted children against each other , Vickroy created the jump rope challenge . Completion of five time limit challenges garnered students induction into Vickroy ’ s , “ jump rope hall of fame .”
A stand out moment for Vickroy occurred when Emma , a student with cystic fibrosis--a disease that targets the lungs among other organs , completed the challenge . When that momentous day arrived , Emma stood center stage on the playground , surrounded by the entire school , each one cheering her on . Hitting the fifteen minute milestone , Emma fell , exhausted and struggling for breath , into the arms of her supporters .
OPPOSITE : Pat in selfie-mode with students , always finding ways to connect with , and encourage youth . ABOVE : Pat in the wild using any available prop for inspiration . BELOW : Pat in a rare serious moment with students ... actually , it ’ s Pat doing what he does best - encouraging kids and kids at heart to confidently be themselves .
Later that afternoon , Vickroy visited Emma and asked her why she pushed herself to the point of exhaustion when everyone knew about her condition . ‘ I don ’ t want them to know me for my lungs , Mr . Vickroy ,’ Emma replied . “ I want them to know me for never giving up .’ Wiping the tears from his cheeks , Vickroy added , “ What a role model for everybody .”
Vickroy ’ s teaching methods did not go unnoticed . In 1989 he was honored with the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year for California award . “ It was just exceptionally nice to be recognized for the hard work you put in . It wasn ’ t why I worked hard , it wasn ’ t a consequence , but an outcome of that ,” Vickroy said .
In 2004 Vickroy expanded his team building training when he joined the Leadership Gilroy program . “ So every year it ’ s a brand new group of leaders , or potential role models , and to be able to connect with them , it ’ s been very fulfilling , it just feels right ,” Vickroy said .
Andrea Gamble , former Executive Director of Leadership Gilroy , considers Vickroy a true asset to the program . “ He is always the highlight , because he drops little nuggets of wisdom … hands-on tangible lessons in things like communication , leadership , trust , and how to build a team ,” Gamble said . “ I would use those nuggets throughout the rest of the year . It ’ s so impactful and something you ’ ll think about for weeks to come . That ’ s his magic .” ( Continued ...)
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