Most students are not aware of this but there is a national long jump champion in our midst. Mr. Todd Wallert, a teacher at North for the past 25 years, was a national long jump champion while at Hamline University. He also recently returned from a knee replacement that fixed an injury that happened during his football career at Hamline.

Mr. Wallert went to Hamline University from 1981-1984. While he was there, he participated in football and track. He was actually in the Track Hall of Fame. While playing football there, he had hoped to be a professional football player but an ACL injury ended that dream. He didn’t let that injury get in the way of him enjoying his years at Hamline. When asked about his memories, he says “most of my memories are very good.”

His knee replacement was the fourth surgery he’s had on that knee. His knee hadn’t been working properly; he couldn’t bike, run, and many other things that he enjoyed doing. His senior year, he injured his ACL ending his track and football dreams.

He graduated from Hamline with a degree in teaching Physical Education and went to teach at East Consolidated Elementary in St. Paul for seven years. He then went on to start teaching at North High School in 1993 and has been here for 25 years. He has taught for a total of 32 years. He is currently the head boys’ and girls’ track coach. “Teaching elementary was fun but I really love teaching high school. I love having that adult interaction and love being able to encourage them. I love helping them figure out what they want to do for their future careers.”

Mr. Wallert has been an inspiration around North and he left me with one last thought…”Even if you’ve never been out for a sport before trying out for track and field would be a great experience. There’s something for everyone.”