Calvin Wallin was honored Monday, March 28, with the Distinguished Service Award for his many years of contributions to youth and high school athletics.
The 83-year-old Wallin, who has worked more than a half century at Pequot Lakes Patriots sporting events, was honored by the Minnesota Interscholastic Activities Administrators Association during their convention in St. Cloud.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with young people,” said Wallin, who has also been a gun safety instructor for the past 53 years. “I started teaching in Pequot Lakes in 1969. I started doing some coaching, refereeing and umpiring. “
Wallin eventually started working at the scorer’s table for basketball, volleyball and wrestling matches. And for the past 50 years, Wallin has also been part of the sideline crew managing the first-down markers for junior high and varsity football games in Pequot Lakes.
“It has been rewarding to be on the chain gang (first-down markers) with my sons - Mark, Dan and Brian,” he said. “A highlight was doing the section football final together one year.”
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In attendance for the award presentation was Wallin’s family, including his wife, Shirley. Helping make the presentation was former Pequot Lakes Activities Director Marc Helmrichs and current Patriots Activities Director Byron Westrich.
“It was a special honor to have both athletic directors there,” said Wallin, who added he would like to continue working at sporting events for 20 more years. “I would like to keep doing it as long as I’m able.”
The Distinguished Service Award is awarded annually to three or four individuals who have made a contribution to the local school athletic program.
Wallin, a member of the Pequot Lakes High School Athletic Hall of Fame, was nominated for the award by Helmrichs.
Pete Mohs, Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal publisher, may be reached at 218-855-5855 or pete.mohs@brainerddispatch.com . Follow him on Facebook.
