I am not and was not ever an athletic kid. Dare I admit that I don’t think I ever went to a VHS soccer game? (I could be wrong; I’m getting older and memories of school days are fading fast.) But I can say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Coach Stiefbold. I mean that literally. I would not be sitting here at my desk if it weren’t for him because I wouldn’t be able to drive.
Well, maybe that’s taking it a bit too far, after all there are other driving teachers. But there was only one Mr. Stiefbold. He may be renowned and remembered for his soccer wins, but in my family he is renowned for the fact that he taught my mother AND me how to drive. Not at the same time of course. He began his career when my mother was in high school (way back when HBW was the high school building) and was heading towards the end when I was there. He even taught me AFTER I had my license when I had to learn how to drive a standard shift. (Does anyone even know what a stick shift is anymore?) During winter break from college he took me out one afternoon and showed me how to shift gears. Anyone who has ever driven a stick shift in town knows that Verona has way too many hills with stop signs/traffic lights on them! I can remember stalling out numerous times at Linden and Wildwood Terrace that afternoon. Mr. Stiefbold has A LOT of patience!
It’s been decades since I sat behind the wheel with Mr. Stiefbold at my side, but I still remember being out on the road with him. He was brave enough to take us out on highways as well as little roads in the Essex Fells area. And as anyone who ever had him for Driver’s Ed knows, he was teaching. How many of us learned (and still remember) the state bird (Eastern Goldfinch), state flower (purple violet) and the state tree (red oak) from behind the wheel. (No cheating with Google was necessary!)
I also remember (hanging my head in shame) my first flat tire. I think I went over a curb too hard. But Mr. Stiefbold didn’t yell or make a fuss. Instead all of us got out of the car (I believe there was only one other girl with me at the time) and he had us change the tire. He told us what to do and we DID it. Nowadays if I got a flat, I’d probably call AAA, but getting a flat in Driver’s Ed was a good thing for hands on education. And it truly WAS hands on.
How many Verona teens did Coach Stiefbold teach how to drive? It must be hundreds … maybe even a thousand? Did he teach you? When you get behind the wheel today or tomorrow, what will you remember? Will you check your mirrors? Release the parking brake? (Did you even use it?) Will you slowly and carefully check the area before you pull out? Will you be sure to make a full and complete stop at the stop sign (even if it is on a hill and you by some chance ARE driving a stick shift)?
When you get behind the wheel, drive safe, just like Coach Stiefbold taught you. And remember, the state mammal is …
