WEEDSPORT - To some people, 20 years of coaching might seem like a long time.

But for Weedsport varsity cross-country coach John Lawler, it is just the beginning.

"I'm really excited that after 20 years to still be a teacher and a coach," Lawler said. "I really enjoy it and look forward to going to work."

Lawler has always been a dedicated athlete. Playing football, baseball, wrestling and both indoor and outdoor track in high school kept him busy. In college, he continued with track and discovered cross-county and cross-country skiing and he has been putting his best foot forward ever since.

"I just haven't stopped since then," Lawler said. "Running in college brought me a lot of enjoyment."

The Union Springs native knew Weedsport was where he wanted to be as soon as he heard there was an opening in the district.

While completing his master's degree in science education at Albany he spent two days driving back and forth from classes to interview for the job.

And, according to him, it was well worth all the effort.

"The minute I stepped in I wanted to work here," Lawler said. "I enjoy the community and the great support of the students and the parents. This is such a great community to work in."

Since he began teaching he has his coached different sports. He has coached modified baseball, modified cross-country, track and field as well as volunteering for the varsity cross-country team until a coaching position opened up.

For 18 years he has held that spot and still finds time to coach other sports, currently volleyball.

But Lawler says he sees his role as a teacher as an opportunity and even an obligation to participate in as many activities as possible.

"The teaching profession gives you these opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities and not just be in the classroom," Lawler said. "It helps to build a report to be involved and to realize that it helps students respond to basic life lessons has been rewarding."

His involvement with his students has helped him to create interest for academic joy.

As an environmental teacher and life long outdoors man, he has established the environmental club that regularly competes in the state-wide Enviro-Thon. They came in second place for the past two years and winning first-place honors the two years preceding that.

Lawler says seeing the children take such an active interest is the reward.

"It is a joy to see the kids really shine and improve and feel good about themselves," Lawler said. "I really like the interaction with all of them it helps keep me grounded and in touch so I still know what it's like to be an effective communicator."

In his free time, Lawler spend time skiing, fishing and bicycling.

"I grew up doing things outdoors," Lawler said. "I find it enjoyable to be in direct contact with nature."

After 20 years of coaching he has considered slowing down and focusing on one sport, but he won't swear to that.

"I feel great and I'd like to go out and get more people involved," Lawler said. "These are healthy habits and that is what is really rewarding and makes it fun. Even as a coach you have to keep it fun and really enjoy it in your heart."

Besides coaching and teaching, Lawler is also involved in the Weedsport Historical Run and the Great Race.