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 Currently in his 20th year of teaching and coaching cross-country
and track in the Grossmont District, Pat Connolly has been the
driving force behind innovative activities that get students
engaged in physical fitness.
Steele Canyon freshman Kaitlynd Froehlich said, "Coach
Connolly makes fitness fun. I know that he wants me to succeed
to my full potential."
Fellow student Wenzday Leonard said, "I used to hate running
and he helped me enjoy and find purpose in it. I'm more
physically fit and basically I feel like I'm more connected
and a part of my school because of Coach Connolly."
Theirs were but a pair of the smiles that abound in his outdoor
classroom where Pat's mantra of "If at first you
don't succeed, you're normal" encourages students
to embrace failures and successes as they attempt new physical
challenges. Pat's track record of success is defined by
his tireless quest for novel activities that set off the spark
and get students excited. This week his students are developing
a two-minute routine using Spin Jammer flying discs.
Highly regarded as one of the best physical education instructors
in the County, Pat takes great pride in being a teacher and a
coach. Principal Gary Schwartzwald said, "Pat Connolly's
enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for student success catapults
him to the ranks of one of the best teachers at Steele Canyon.
Pat has the ability to motivate all of his students by his positive
demeanor coupled with his belief that every student can be successful
in his class, leading to a lifetime of positive fitness and health."
The importance of connecting the cognitive aspects of fitness
and health with the physical components of P.E. has always been
important to Pat. One day a week students learn about new fitness
concepts, health, and nutrition in a classroom setting. His students
are also tasked with developing a personal trainer report, whereby
they devise a plan to increase muscular strength, flexibility,
cardiovascular endurance and nutrition.
In P.E., a student's physical fitness and ability is
onstage for all to see. Pat Connolly creates an environment in
which students are encouraged to try and are grouped by ability
levels. Well-schooled in the importance of team-building, Pat
Connolly repeatedly tells his students, "It's OK
to try and fail," as he reminds them of how many times Thomas
Edison failed before he reached his goal. But, Coach Connolly
adds, "It's not OK to fail to try." 
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