2008 Woodie Awards
Tennis coach serves up more than physical education
Hall of Famer Fitzgerald relies on faith, family, fun
Gina Murray
Date created: 3/1/05 Section: SPORTS
Getting fit is the nucleus of Skyline's physical education program, according to Fitzgerald, who transferred to San Francisco State University to earn his master's degree.
Fitzgerald said he is a "type A" person who is codependent and likes to please other people. He also describes himself as a loving father. He has twin sons who he calls "top notch" athletes.
Last year, after 30 years of marriage, Fitzgerald's beautiful wife Christie died of breast cancer. Fitzgerald said she had 62 chemotherapy sessions and he went to every one.
"She was the best earthly thing that ever happened to me," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald's wife was the one who opened the door to Christianity for him. Fitzgerald said his father died the day he went to tell him he was getting married, and Christie showed him what God could do for him. Fitzgerald said after that, he was born again.
Fitzgerald is not only active in the Skyline College community but also active in the local Pacifica community and in his church. He says one of his greatest accomplishments is attending Bible study twice a week, every week, for 30 years.
Throughout his 25 years at Skyline, he has helped students get healthy, fit, and he still loves being a teacher.
"I get to educate and encourage and motivate students to get fit."
Fitzgerald said he is a "type A" person who is codependent and likes to please other people. He also describes himself as a loving father. He has twin sons who he calls "top notch" athletes.
Last year, after 30 years of marriage, Fitzgerald's beautiful wife Christie died of breast cancer. Fitzgerald said she had 62 chemotherapy sessions and he went to every one.
"She was the best earthly thing that ever happened to me," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald's wife was the one who opened the door to Christianity for him. Fitzgerald said his father died the day he went to tell him he was getting married, and Christie showed him what God could do for him. Fitzgerald said after that, he was born again.
Fitzgerald is not only active in the Skyline College community but also active in the local Pacifica community and in his church. He says one of his greatest accomplishments is attending Bible study twice a week, every week, for 30 years.
Throughout his 25 years at Skyline, he has helped students get healthy, fit, and he still loves being a teacher.
"I get to educate and encourage and motivate students to get fit."
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