After nearly 15 years of inspiring students and energizing the gym at TAHS, beloved phys ed teacher Marcus Owens will say goodbye to his alma mater on Friday.
Tyrone students and faculty were surprised to learn that Owens is leaving to take a teaching position at State College Area Middle School. His last day at Tyrone is January 31.
Owens said that while he is excited for the new challenge, this week has been tough.
“I’ve always appreciated my time here,” said Owens, “I will miss the students and staff members who have been a mainstay in my life for nearly 15 years. I told my classes that coming to work has been the easiest part of my career. It’s moving on to a new district that has proved to be the hardest part of this process. Although I am excited for my new opportunity and embrace the change, it’s still difficult to say goodbye.”
Reaction around the school was consistent, everyone the Eagle Eye interviewed is sad to lose him as a teacher, but happy that he has found an opportunity that he is excited about.
“I’m really sad to see him leave,” phys ed teacher Lindsey Kanuch said. “I enjoyed my three years working with him. He taught me a lot. I’m appreciative to have had him as my mentor whenever I first started here.”
More than just a teacher, Owens is a lifelong Golden Eagle. He grew up in Tyrone and made a name for himself in high school as a football standout from 1994-1997.
Fourth on Tyrone’s all-time list for total yards gained in a career with 4,479 total yards, Owens had a spectacular senior season in 1996, rushing for 2,226 yards and 29 touchdowns, the second-best single-season rushing total in school history. That season Owens led the Golden Eagles to their first state championship game appearance. His 60 career touchdowns are third-best all-time for Tyrone.
After high school, Owens went to Penn State University, graduating in 2003 with a degree in Rehabilitation Services. A few years later, he changed career paths and earned his teaching certification in health and physical education from Lock Haven University in 2009.
Coincidentally, Owens’ first job in education was in the State College Area School District as a Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS) specialist working with special needs students.
After one year at State College, Owens returned to his hometown as a physical education teacher at TAHS in 2010.
“Walking back into the high school as a new teacher on my first day in 2010 was a surreal experience,” Owens said.
Fellow Tyrone phys ed teacher Tom Coleman has worked closely with Owens for the last 10 years and knows him well.
“Over a decade I taught with Mr. Owens I can think of dozens of stories we had together as coworkers,” Coleman said. “The most memorable was the time Parker Allen challenged him to wrestle. Lo and behold Mr. Owens broke out his wrestling shoes and pinned Parker in less than 30 seconds. If anybody wants to see the video, I still have it on my phone,” Coleman said.
Phys ed teacher Jordan Bondi also appreciated Owen’s mentorship and friendship during his first few years on staff.
“Mr. Owens has been an incredible part of our team in the phys ed department. He really inspires students and staff with his energy and dedication. While we’re sad to see him go, we’re excited for his new opportunities at State College. Mr. Owens will always have a place here, and we know he’ll continue to make a positive impact wherever he goes,” Bondi said.
Tyrone junior John Stanton was also disappointed to hear that Owens is leaving.
“I think I speak for everyone whenever I say that we are sad to see Mr. Owens go. From a student’s point of view, he is a great teacher and is up there as one of the best teachers we’ve ever had. He taught me a lot over the years and was a strong influence in many student’s lives,” Stanton said.
Owens said he decided to return to State College because of the opportunities it offers, both professionally and personally.
Owens will teach middle school physical education for grades 6-8 at State College, an age group he has a lot of experience with at Tyrone.
Although Owens is leaving Tyrone, he said it will always have a special place in his heart.
“I have never taken for granted how fortunate I have been to teach in the district that I call home,” Owens said, “ It’s been a pleasure serving my community. As I embark on my next challenge, I will be forever grateful for all the people who have positively impacted my life.”
Moving to a new district can be challenging especially with the different environment at State High, a much larger school district in a college town with a more diverse student body.
“It will be challenging meeting new students who I’ve never seen or met before, but at the end of the day, teaching is teaching,” said Owens.
As his last day approaches, the high school community would like to wish him good luck as he embraces this new challenge.
“He’s always welcome back at Tyrone Area High School as a visitor, or if he has a change of heart and wants to come back and teach,” Coleman said.
Mr. Owens, you will always be a Golden Eagle at heart. Thank you.
