NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, SEPT. 7, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Robinet from front been Robinet’s passion. He competed as a high school student, in which he still holds the record for the 1600 meter run, set in 1979 at a time of 4 minutes, 27.9 seconds. “I think that’s the only reason I’m being inducted as an athlete,” Robinet said. “I am surprised I still hold that record.” Following his high school graduation, Robinet coached a variety of activities – cross-country for three years, Nordic skiing for three years and boys swim and dive for four years. Most notably,
City council from front Dreams development at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. - Appointed CoraLynn Martin to the parks board. - Approved a quick claim deed for an outlot in the Walnut Ridge Development. The lot will fulfill park dedication fees from 2002. - Approved a $100 expense budget for photos to be used on the city’s website. The photos will be purchased from Star Publications. The next Rice City Council is at 7 p.m. Sept. 16. Preliminary budget and levy approval for 2020 will be on the agenda.
though, is his 28 year stint as a track and field coach. “I knew I wanted to be a coach pretty early in my life,” Robinet said. “When I think about my childhood and the amount of time I spent around sports, my coaches were some of the people who were always there for me, no matter what. They helped me a lot growing up and I knew I wanted to do the same for other kids.” During his time as a coach, Robinet focused on getting as many kids as possible involved in the sports. He felt every kid needed to be involved and passionate about something. Only then could he teach the
kids important lessons about athletics and life. “I was never satisfied with the amount of kids involved, I always wanted more,” Robinet said. “Having kids involved gave me the opportunity to help kids through a medium of something they wanted to do, and it was a chance for me to teach them things like how to accept failures and accomplishments.” Even though he is retired from his teaching position and no longer coaches athletics for Sauk Rapids-Rice, Robinet impacts the lives of track and field athletes across the Upper Midwest through his company. Robinet manufactures and sells track and
field equipment, and facilitates timed events. “I was working a track meet in Alexandria when I got the call from NaDean (Schroeder) about being an inductee,” Robinet said. “It all seems to come full circle, one way or another, but everything I do, I do for the kids.”
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Pete Robinet rests after a track meet in 1979. Robinet has been around track and field his whole life – first as an aspiring athlete, then a coach for 28 years and now he manufactures and sells track and field equipment through his business, RPM Athletics.
School from front As Heck prepared for the 2019-20 school year, she made the transition from teaching third to teaching fourth grades. “I love this age,” Heck said. “The kids can hold conversations with you, but they are still curious and have lots of questions. They are starting to become independent, but they need guidance yet, too. It’s such a fun age.” With the transition of grade levels came a move to a new classroom within the building. Zoey was right along with her mom, helping to move supplies and set up the new space. “Zoey has always loved coming along to help me with things here,” Heck said. “I started moving stuff in
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Zoey Heck colors a picture with her mom, Teresa, Sept. 4 in Sauk Rapids. The two spent time together at Mississippi Heights Elementary School following Zoey’s first day of kindergarten.
the first week of June and then came back about the first week in August to begin setting up the room. Zoey has been with just about every time I come.
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She loves the school atmosphere and has been playing school at home for so long, because I am a teacher.” Heck’s son, Lucas, is 3 and with Zoey coming to school, he is anxious for it as well. “It will be even more exciting when he gets to come to school, too,” Heck said. “It’s a special situation when you know your kids are with you all day, even if they are in a different part of the building.” With Zoey attending school, the daily routine has changed. The family requires being earlier risers and a little more time getting ready for the day. Heck says it is all worth it. “We are very excited for her to start school and she mirrors that in her emotions,” Heck said. “She told me immediately after school that she had a good day and stayed busy, but that she likes having mom at school, too. It’s a heartwarming step and I am
glad I get to be a part of her journey in a roundabout way.” Heck also noted the
difference in juggling her expectations as a teacher herself with her students, as well as making sure Zoey’s teachers have their expectations met and that Zoey is on track with her learning. “As a teacher, I have a sense of what her teachers expect,” Heck said. “But ultimately, it’s making sure we have regular visits and do the best we can for Zoey and anyone who is helping her to learn. I am excited to see where she goes this year and what she can accomplish. She has already broken so many barriers in her short life and I know she has many more coming. I am so proud she gets to be at Mississippi Heights, a community I have loved and cherished in my time her thus far, and how she gets to make her journey her own.”
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Zoey Heck smiles ahead of her first day of kindergarten Sept. 4 in Sauk Rapids. Zoey attends Mississippi Heights Elementary School, where her mom, Teresa, is a fourth grade teacher.