PC Alum Jeff Campbell gives time and leadership

 

By Haadiza Ogwude  Jeff Campbell is an alumni of Parkersburg Catholic Schools from the class 1988. Campbell now lives in Athens, Ohio, where he is Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Ohio University.  He is married and has two children in Parkersburg Catholic Schools, one being sophomore, Abby Campbell. He is also the head football coach at Parkersburg Catholic High School and he said that after playing football here, being on sidelines with the team feels like he is at home.

     Coach Campbell described his experience at Parkersburg Catholic as “Great.” He said PCHS gives students a lot of groundwork for decision-making.      

     Campbell also said PCHS taught him how to put hard work into everything he does because, “the academics are amazing” and he felt very prepared when he got to college. “English was second nature for me.”

     “You don’t know how much you know until college,” Campbell continued. “PCHS really got me ready for that next phase.”

     Campbell also expressed how socially prepared he felt. Just like today, students in Campbell’s class were required to take one religion class each year and he said he believed felt that was very beneficial. When he went to college, he stated how diverse it was, not just racially but religiously and culturally. The religion classes at PCHS gave him an open mind to different cultures and religions. The religion classes also helped him adjust to the diversity.

     Some of Campbell’s favorite things about PCHS are the “no cut policy.” He said he liked having a lot of playing time and he believes that is why so many students participate in so many activities here. He also said loved the long-lasting friendships he made here both as a student and as a coach.

Campbell also spoke about how he gives back to the school which he tries to do in any way he can. He said likes to give back to his players by having cookouts for them and their families. “I also try to make sure school facilities are well taken care of,” he said.

     When asked how he has changed since his high school years he said he believes he’s smarter now than he was back then. “I work harder and try to procrastinate less” he said. “I take my work more seriously.”

     Lastly, Campbell said he wants to encourage students at PCHS to really develop their faith and relationships and be as active as possible. He said when he in high school he wasn’t just interested in sports, but that he participated in the quiz bowl as well. He encouraged students to do anything they are interested in and not be concerned with what others might think or say.

     “I guess I would hope they [students] gain a true understanding about what the school is about,” Campbell said.