Longtime coach named Palmer High AD

PALMER — A tough decision for one former Palmer High administrator led to a great opportunity for a longtime coach and supporter of PHS athletics.

Dale Ewart, a coach of several sports during his 13 years with the school, was recently named Palmer High School activities director. Ewart replaces Jeff Thiede, who resigned in July for the chance to return with his family to his hometown of Reno, Nev.

“I was bummed Jeff was leaving. I really like him and will miss him, (his wife) Pepper and the kids. But it was the best thing for their family,” Ewart said recently. “This is definitely something I want to do. This has been part of my plan.”

Palmer High principal Reese Everett said Palmer High will miss Thiede, but is thrilled PHS had the opportunity to promote one of its coaches.

“As long as he was interested in the position, in my mind, it was a no-brainer,” Everett said of Ewart. “The guy is Palmer blue, through and through.”

Ewart, the head coach of the Palmer wrestling team since 2000, also served as the PHS track and field head coach for 11 years and spent six years as an assistant on the coaching staff. Since stepping down as the track coach, Ewart regularly volunteers to host local high school track and running events, and has spent countless hours supporting Palmer High activities. Everett said Ewart’s experience with PHS sports, personality and demeanor will help allow him the chance to flourish in the position.

“The best thing about Dale, what will make him overwhelmingly successful, is he’s Mr. Cool under fire,” Everett said. “This position can be pretty intense at times. He just doesn’t lose his cool.”

Ewart, who moved to Palmer in 2000 from his home state of Wyoming, has long thought about the opportunity to become an activities director. Ewart said his desire to become an activities director was inspired by an administrator he knew while he was growing up.

“He made a big impression on me,” Ewart said. “This was part of my plan.”

Ewart said he considered the Palmer High activities director position when it opened in the past, but he was still working on his master’s degree. During the past several years, Ewart talked with fellow coaches and Thiede about the chance to someday become an activities director.

Ewart said he is thrilled at the chance to get the position at the school he’s spent so much time at.

Before leaving Alaska late last month, Theide said he received an unexpected job offer from a school in Nevada. He said he and his family also felt the need to be closer to extended family.

During his seven years at Palmer High, Thiede led the way as the school hosted numerous regular-season, regional and state events. Thiede also helped organize a bid for PHS to host the state volleyball tournament at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla, marking the first time a Valley school had hosted that event.

In addition, Thiede also helped oversee the upgrade of PHS athletic facilities and installation of field turf.

Everett said Ewart did have to step down as head wrestling coach when he took the activities director position.

“We’re obviously losing an outstanding wrestling coach. He invested a ton of time, took a program that struggled for years and built it into a team that took fourth in state (last year),” Everett said. “He was looking to improve on that this year. I know it’s bittersweet for him.”