By Chris Rosenblum
State College Area School District
Expecting to move drums, Doug Schunk ended being moved.
When Schunk, a State College Area High School chemistry teacher and marching band drumline instructor, was called from his study hall on Monday, it was under false pretenses. State High Director of Bands Paul Leskowicz said he needed help with equipment, but the jig was up when Schunk stepped into the band room.
To his astonishment, Schunk encountered 11th grade/12th grade concert band musicians, all ready to serenade him with a rousing fanfare.
“Are you packed for Boston?” Associate Principal Kathy Pechtold called out.
“Are you kidding me?” Schunk said, the truth hitting him. “Wow!”
That’s how Schunk learned he had been chosen for a national team of teachers running in the 2018 Boston Marathon on April 16. Out of about 1,600 applicants, the Hyland’s homeopathic medicine company is sponsoring 13 outstanding teacher athletes to recognize their personal stories and dedication to students. The company annually assembles a special team for the marathon around a theme; in 2017, inspirational women were recruited.
Schunk began running half-marathons and marathons in 2015 en route to losing nearly 140 pounds and turning his health around.
Video by Nabil K. Mark/SCASD
Before his musical celebration, he had been on pins and needles. Though he hadn’t been one of the first five team members announced from the finalists, the company had reassured him he wasn’t out of the running, so to speak. No news may be good news to some, but it was killing Schunk.
Then came his surprise party, and finally he knew.
“It’s very cool,” he said after his musical congratulations. “I’ve got something to say to the family at dinner tonight.”
In front of the band, Schunk spoke on the phone with a company representative, who officially welcomed him to the team. Now, he’s looking forward to a VIP weekend in Boston with his family before tackling one of the world’s elite races and fulfilling a bucket list wish.
Whatever happens, State High started his adventure on a high note — several, actually.
Said Schunk: “I’m not forgetting this one, that’s for sure.”
Photo by Nabil K. Mark/SCASD
