by Brent Kalwei
Steve
Robertson’s commitment to the Grandview School District was put on display from
the very first day he showed up for work in August of 1987. Robertson was so
dedicated that just two days after getting married, he skipped the honeymoon
for the beginning of his educational career.
“They
were in need of a junior high science teacher and football coach,” Robertson
said. “I had practice at 6 a.m., and that was my first job, so I wasn’t going
to miss that. I’m still looking for that honeymoon.”
Robertson,
who is currently the Grandview athletic director, has stayed true to the school
district. He is just weeks away from retiring after spending the entirety of
his 32-year educational career with Grandview.
“Loyalty
is big for me. That’s why I appreciate George Brett, Cal Ripken and guys like
that, because they are with one team their entire career,” Robertson said.
Robertson
has worn many hats as a coach in the district. He was a high school assistant
football coach for 13 years, eighth grade basketball coach for five years and
spent one year each as the head boys’ and girls’ high school golf coach. Robertson,
who played college baseball at Baker University, served as the Grandview
Bulldogs head baseball coach from 1991-2007.
“Baseball
is in my blood,” Robertson said. “That holds a special place. So many of the
relationships that I have with coaches and players is what I cherish as much as
anything.”
Robertson
led the Bulldogs to their first and only baseball district championship in
2001. He enjoyed when Grandview participated in baseball tournaments in St.
Louis, and played four times at Kauffman Stadium. Robertson coached Jay
Bollinger, a 1997 graduate and First Team All-State baseball player. Bollinger
liked Robertson’s approach to coaching.
“Every
day he had a plan to help everybody get better,” Bollinger said.
Robertson
is in his 17th year as the athletic director. Grandview has won 10
of its 11 all-time team state championships during Robertson’s tenure as
athletic director.
“We’ve
been blessed with so many unbelievable athletes and kids. It’s been a pleasure
of mine to witness so many unbelievable feats. Those are things that I’ll never
forget,” Robertson said.
Dana
Bedwell, Grandview head girls’ track and field coach, believes Robertson has
played a key role in the success of the athletic programs.
“He’s
so professional. He requires us to stay on top of behavior and supervision,”
Bedwell said. “He keeps his coaches to a high standard, and we rise to his
standard.”
Robertson
takes pride in making opposing teams and fans feel welcome during sports events
at Grandview.
“One
of my goals is to try to make every event a quality event, so when people come
from other school districts, they leave with a good taste in their mouth about
Grandview,” he said.
Bedwell
said Robertson is well prepared and hardly ever misses a Grandview home sports
event.
“He
has lists for everything that needs to happen,” Bedwell said. “I’ve never been
to any events that are as organized as the ones that he puts on.”
The
Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association named Robertson as
a District Athletic Director of the Year in 2016.
Also
in 2016, Robertson created the Grandview Athletic Hall of Fame, which honors
the greatest student-athletes in school history. Hall of fame inductees are
selected annually. Robertson invites each hall of fame athlete back to the high
school to be recognized during a two-day induction celebration. Each inductee
receives a plaque to honor their achievement. Robertson said the event is a
great way to build the relationship between alumni and current staff.
“One
of the best things is when they come back and share their stories,” he said. “For
them to come back and see our kids playing football and or basketball, and to
see the school, they are just amazed at how nice it is, and how much they miss
and appreciate Grandview. I heard about all of the previous student-athletes
that have gone through here. To hear about them, and then finally meet them is
a thrill.”
Robertson
also created the hall of fame hallway located outside of the main high school
gym. It features an array of items including championship trophies and plaques,
banners, record boards and photos of former standout teams and athletes.
Grandview
Superintendent Kenny Rodrequez said Robertson has had a significant impact in
the Grandview School District community.
“I’d
be shocked if people in 10 to 15 years aren’t still talking about the athletics
program and mentioning Steve in the same sentence,” Rodrequez said. “He has
become synonymous with the athletic successes in this district.”
Rodrequez
is impressed with the relationships Robertson has built with the
student-athletes in the school district.
“In
every single sport, he knows all the different kids,” he said. “He knows their
skills and ability levels. He has built relationships with them. He wants the
absolute best for Grandview because our kids deserve it.”
Robertson
said being a part of the Grandview School District has been special, adding
that he will miss the relationships he has formed with athletes and coaches.
“I’ve
always found it to be an interesting district with the diversity and the
quality of kids,” he said. “I’ve always harped on trying to make sure that we
represent our school district well. Anything I’ve done has been in an attempt
to put Grandview in a good light and make people in the community proud of us. I’m
sure I’ll follow the district closely for a long time just to see how things
are going.”
Kirk
Hipple, the athletic director and assistant principal at Summit Lakes Middle
School in Lee’s Summit, will be taking over as the next Grandview athletic
director.
“Hopefully,
I’ve set a good foundation and people will just continue to do that,” Robertson
said. “I’m proud to say that I’m leaving it in good hands.”