Jim Linot has been a part of the Rose Hill Community and District for 50 years.
“Really my entire life for the most part. I figured 50 years of my life I have been part of the school district and the Rose Hill Community,” said Jim Linot. “Other than the years I was in Manhattan for college and teaching at Stafford I have been a Rose Hill guy that bleeds Rocket Red.”
He started working at Rose Hill as a science teacher in 1997. Back then the athletic director job was only part time so when he accepted the position in 2000 he was still teaching science. After a few years the position changed to full time and Linot switched over.
“Substituted here for a couple of years at Rose Hill when I moved back and worked for a company in Derby. Then started teaching Science here again full time in 1997 in what is now Mrs. Reed’s room. The Rocket Science blind has been there since then,” Linot said. “Accepted the AD job in 2000 and taught weights half day and AD all the rest of the day and night. Decided that was way too stressful after a few years and were ready to go a different direction when they decided to make the job a Full time position and the rest is history.”
A highlight for him has been the titles that have been won while he was helping organize the games or tournaments. And with the amount of time he has put into the school and its athletes one of the parts he’ll miss the most is the friendships that have happened.
“State Titles are wonderful and something I can always treasure. Because I know exactly how hard they are to achieve and how lucky you have to be to even have that opportunity,” Linot said. “The thing I will miss the most is the relationships with not only professional colleagues but many kids over the years. Some of those that now have kids that are participating in our programs. Being involved with them and having conversations about not only sports but life in general will be deeply missed.”
With all the years that Linot has had it’s no surprise that there are going to be things to overcome and challenges to win. He has worked hard to put his skills to use and do what needs to be done as a Rocket.
“The time commitment needed to not only do the job but to be present to support and supervise our programs at both home and away events. Challenges of the last few years have been society spilling over into the school system with the lack of respect for authority and adults in general, not only by kids but also fans, or parents,” said Linot. “So I must work hard to make sure that we always try to represent it in a positive manner. Especially to those that are visiting for activities or are already part of this community. I will always want success for Rose Hill and our Programs. ROCKET PROUD!!”
