Hall of Fame: Rod Fortin
Growing up in a small town, Rod Fortin feels fortunate to have many volunteer coaches as a youth.
Fortin, who was inducted into the school district’s Hall of Fame during homecoming week, grew up in Doland and was active in sports.
“I did all of those activities when I was a kid. Somebody did that for me. I played all those sports and somebody took the time to help us,” he said. “And fortunately in the small towns that we grew up in, we were really blessed with some really good coaches and people involved in those.”
Fortin and his wife, Heather, moved to Tea in 2005. They have three sons, Henry, TJ and Charlie in the district. Once their oldest started kindergarten, Fortin has been involved with youth programs.
He has coached youth wrestling, flag football and South Dakota Junior Football for more than 11 years. Fortin felt it was a natural fit to volunteer his time since he would be taking his kids to practice anyway.
“You’re going to be at the practices. You’re going to be going to the games, so why not be actively involved?” Fortin said. “It’s one thing to sign up to be an assistant coach and maybe help just a little bit, but how do we get those people to be actively involved, like to really take it and engage? I think consistency and the commitment over time, that’s how you can really make a difference. It’s hard to do that in a one-year deal.”
When they came to Tea in 2005, they did not know anybody. Getting involved with activities was a great way to meet people.
“It was a great way for us to get involved, not only with the school, but the church and other programs. Once you become involved, then you take some ownership in it. Now you’re invested. I’ve gotten way more out of it than I put into it. For me, it’s fun,” he said.
Besides being active with youth activities, Fortin also officiated high school wrestling for 20 years before retiring two years ago when his oldest started high school wrestling.
That involvement in officiating allowed him an in to the youth program.
“It sort of gave me a step into the youth program. Even before Henry got in there I was volunteering at our youth tournament,” he said.
Fortin said the induction into the school district’s Hall of Fame was a pleasant surprise. He appreciates someone took the time to nominate him.
“It is nice to be recognized. I like to stay behind the scenes. It’s an honor to be recognized,” he said. “If that helps show others that if you do put the time in. I think it’s an honor for my family. I look at Heather, my wife, who, sure I put a lot of time in, but I’ve been away from the house. When you’re spending four hours at practices during the winter somebody’s taking care of the homefront. It’s an honor for the family. Hopefully they look at it that way because it’s a family commitment.”
While he appreciates the recognition, he also said it’s important to recognize there are a lot of people who have done what he has done. He said they have a lot of young volunteers with the areas he is involved in.