Woodland athletics proves every year to be quite the powerhouse. Despite being two small towns, Beacon Falls and Prospect, provide strong athletes and teams that seem to outdo themselves each year; however, Woodland’s athletics program would be nothing without the people behind the scenes. While many students know Chris Decker as the face of Woodland’s athletic department, the real brains of the operation is Jill Spiwak, Decker’s assistant.
Many students might recognize her smiling face in the halls or even at their sporting events, but after almost 21 years at Woodland, Spiwak has decided to retire, with Friday, September 16th being Spiwak’s last official day.
The impact she has made on many athletes is easy to see, but what is less known is the impact that the Hawks have had on Spiwak. With both of her two kids previously being Woodland athletes, Spiwak says those memories of watching her children play can not be topped. Other than those times, some of Spiwak’s fondest memories go back to the early years of Woodland, while she watched Woodland’s athletics quickly take over the Naugatuck Valley.
“There was one Halloween football game that was unbelievable. Back then, there wasn’t even a concession stand. All we had were wall-to-wall people everywhere. Everyone was screaming, and it was hard to even see the field because there were so many people on the fence. Parents would bring in tents, and they brought in grills and hamburgers and it was just like a part of the entire town was here, every football game,” said Spiwak. “You can’t beat that kind of stuff.”
Spiwak’s passion for the job is unmatched. The undeniable pride that the student body feels for sports has manifested itself in her. There are many aspects of her job, but one that stands out is being able to witness athletes’ victories.
“The best part is actually going to games, talking to the kids, and having them come in the next day and be like, ‘oh my gosh, I hit a home run!’ ” says Spiwak. “I was at Sates and I remember one kid sprinting across the field and jumping into the coach’s arms. I love it all, it’s the best job in the region.”
However, with the highs come the lows, one of the only downsides to the job. Spiwak, when asked what her least favorite role as assistant director was, only has one complaint: having to watch kids lose their games, and not knowing what to say undoubtedly becomes a downside. The pride she feels for her athletes carries with her into the good times and bad.
Decker will get a new assistant, but the change also comes with a wave of sadness. Decker has only worked with Spiwak for four of her nearly 21 years.
“I’m certainly happy for her. But I’m very sad. How do you say something about someone so important and integral to Woodland?” said Decker when asked to comment on Spiwak’s leaving. “You know, I’d say that she has basically been the athletic director for 20 years here. She knows more about the school than anybody. So, I will definitely miss her as a partner and as a friend.”
The feeling is mutual, as Spiwak claims that Decker is the best Athletic Director with whom she has worked. She says that she will miss Decker’s hardworking attitude accompanied by his charming sense of humor as the two part ways.
With vast amounts of experience also comes a lot of wisdom. After accompanying Woodland to 58 NVL and four State Championships, Spiwak knows the school and its students best. As parting advice, she tells the Woodland students to expand their horizons.
“Especially since we come from small towns, go out and experience,” Spiwak says. “Try something that you’ve never tried, do something that you think you can’t do. And then come back, because these are the best little small towns in Connecticut.”
Students do not need to worry, as Spiwak says she still plans to attend Woodland sporting events, including football games, swim meets, and volleyball matches. Even though she says she has to now hand in her keys, some of which she doesn’t even remember where they belong to, she will always be a welcomed, familiar face here at Woodland.
