Impactful:
Straight from the heart this week, I’m taking a moment to honor my high school football coach, Paul “Gus” Gustafson. The Elk River community lost an icon as Coach Gus passed away on Christmas Eve just a few weeks ago.
I had the privilege of playing my senior season for Coach Gus during his first year as Elk River’s Head Football Coach. I recall the kindness with which he led our team, as well as the accountability he held each player to in meeting expectations. Those standards of excellence truly helped shape who I am today. The measure of Coach Gus’s impact on my life cannot be overstated. I only wish I had one more opportunity to let him know what my experience with him meant to me.
Somewhere along the way in this thing we call “life,” we all end up crossing paths with someone who makes a profound difference in our existence. Coach Gus was certainly one of those people in my life. I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the individuals who have helped shape the values you live by. Be grateful for them, and strive to be that person for someone else.
I will always remember Coach Gus for his limitless kindness, his gentle mannerisms that made everyone feel important, and his positive outlook on all things. He was one of a kind. Thank you, Coach Gus!
(Coach Gus is shown on the cover of the Elk River Star News Fall Sports Preview directing practice in 1998, his first year as the head coach.) Credit: Elk River Star News
Practical:
If you have children who would like to join their siblings at Spectrum High School and Middle School, or know families interested in becoming part of our community next year (2025-2026), now’s the time to apply! Submit your application for enrollment by January 31, 2025, to secure a spot in our February 18, 2025, enrollment lottery.
We look forward to welcoming more wonderful students into our Spectrum family!
Weeks-at-a-glance:
- Monday, January 20th: C@SH Day - Delayed Start Schedule
- Monday, January 27th - Friday, January31st: Snow Daze Week
- Monday, January 27th: C@SH Info Night @ 6:00 pm
- Wednesday, January 29th: PERKS report pulled