Posted by: Press Democrat Staff Writer Rich Rupprecht

Potter Valley coach and athletic director Fred Austin, 62, is retiring from both teaching and coaching.

Fred coached varsity football at the school, his alma mater, for 31 years and leaves with a lifetime record of 157-134-3 meaning he coached in nearly 300 games. Fred has also coached girls' varsity basketball most recently.

This past season, the Potter Valley girls won the NCL II North championship at 14-0 and reached the NCS playoffs with a 23-3 record.

Fred always seemed to get the most out of his players and still managed to produce strong teams, and championships, with one of the smaller enrollments in the Empire.

There were never stories of undisciplined players or questionable coaching methods during Fred's coaching tenure.

From a reporter's standpoint, who counts on high school coaches to call in results and provide the Press Democrat with information, Fred was at the top of the list for helpfulness.

I'll miss Fred Austin, and I'll bet Potter Valley will too.