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Show Former coach headed to Weber State Davis District athletic director accepts new challenge roots, but not without some reservations. reserva-tions. "When I left coaching I didn't really know I missed it until the state tournament when I was sitting in the stands," said Hill, who plans to play golf, travel and spend more time with his children and grandchildren grand-children upon his semi-retirement. He compares his transition from coach to administrator with his transformation to adjunct faculty member at Weber State. Indeed when opportunity knocks, Jim Hill answers. Tm going to miss the association associa-tion with my colleagues here in the district office and with the coaches and administrators in the schools," Hill said. "My major emphasis in athletics was to have peoole put their energies into the academic VJ basket. I don't think you have to compromise your values and goals." After 37 years of mixing academics aca-demics and athletics, it seems only proper that Hill return to school. After all, he's seen and done it all the right way. district's high schools now have athletic directors. In addition, Davis schools have enjoyed unparalleled success since Hill's arrival in 1969. The Davis District has captured 79 state championships as opposed to only 18 titles in the previous era. "When I came here I was the first one the district ever hired in X JIM HILL By DIRK FACER Sports Editor 4 FARMJNGTON When opportunity op-portunity knocks, Jim Hill answers. After a 24-year tenure with the Davis County School District, the former coach is headed to Weber State as an adjunct faculty member and consultant with the physical education department. The 61 -year-old director of healthy lifestyles officially retires from the district on June 30. Layton High assistant principal Craig Hansen has been chosen to fill the vacancy. "I have really enjoyed my job. It's a fun job and I'm going to miss it," Hill said "But, on the other hand, I feel there is a time to step out. The opportunity to stay in physical education on a part-time basis was appealing. I'm going to miss working here, but there are other challenges out there." Hill's duties with the Davis District have included supervising health education, physical education, edu-cation, drivers education and overseeing athletics. Under his guidance, the district has established estab-lished one of the top drivers ed programs pro-grams in the state, as well as implemented sound sex education and AIDS awareness curriculums. A daily physical education program pro-gram has been created for elementary elemen-tary students and each of the championship and also served as the school's basketball coach. Among the notable athletes whom Hill coached were Golden Richards, Gordon Jolley and John Robison. In 1967, he was chosen as the state's top basketball coach. Throughout his coaching career, Hill was awarded several honors. Last year, the Utah High School Activities Association presented the Bountiful resident with a meritorious service award. Indeed, Hill has seemingly always been involved with athletics. He has served as an NCAA official, handling football, basketball and baseball duties, and assists the University of. Utah statistical crew. However, Hill's athletic career was enhanced when he joined the staff of Granite's head football coach LaVell Edwards. Yes, the very same LaVell Edwards who currently guides the BYU grid program. pro-gram. "From LaVell I learned hard work, dedication and fairness that you play by the rules," Hill said. "He gave me my start and I'll always remember that. ' ' After earning his own success with Granite's baseball and basketball basket-ball programs. Hill answered the call when the Davis District offered him the position as director of athletics in 1969. The Davis High graduate returned to his northern w this capacity," Hill said. "I've had the opportunity to develop a sound physical education program from elementary to secondary." A former coach at Central Junior High and Granite High School in Salt Lake City, Hill put his college degrees to work. A graduate of BYU (B.S., '55) and Washington State (M.S., '56), Hill led the Farmers to the 1962 state baseball W itttttttwnttttttttttwitttttttttwmt MB .III I -x- COACH: Retiring Davis School District athletic director Jim Hill was a successful coach at Granite High during the 1960s. He was named basketball coach of the year in 1967 when his Farmers took the state consolation championship. V ' fJ.4"V( ' iCi L I k .w l tv T 7 v Try s b : - , r V . , - STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONS: Jim Hill led the Granite Farmers to the 1962 state baseball title. ti-tle. In addition, Hill coached Granite to a pair of state American Legion championships. I 1 |