By Adam McKnight & Zach Baker
Al Green was an accomplished coach and father to his greatest joys, Matt and Justin. He taught at Federal Hocking High School for 15 years, and was the head football coach for 4 years. The many people that loved Al have said great things about him. Al had a passion for coaching as well as teaching. Students he taught look to the past and remember the great memories of field trips to his refurbished cabin or the Ellis Island recreation in the library of the school. Mr. Brad Kasler and other colleagues speak of a kind man who would, “Give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it.’’ This showed Al’s high morals as well as the truly kind soul that he was. Al’s calmness in the situations he faced was, “A rare and unique trait.” said Ms. Renee Ripple, one of Al’s colleagues. Coach was an inspiration to many of his students and colleagues alike. He was quoted saying, “Every kid is worth it,” showing how he felt and cared about each student in the school.
Coach Green was thought to be an uplifting person who could light up any room he was in. Many colleagues that he worked with on a daily basis praised his calm demeanor and ability to comfort anybody who was feeling stressed or nervous. One story exemplifying this came from a student of his during their freshman year. The student was new to the school and very nervous. Coach Green approached the nervous student and comforted them and welcomed them as their new teacher. This experience inspired this student to become a teacher. Many people have shared similar experiences, recalling Al Green’s kind and calm presence. Ms. Renee Ripple was quoted saying, “Mr. Green was someone who was trustworthy and had the unique ability to show new perspectives.’’
Al was a 1978 Federal Hocking graduate and the assistant football coach for nine years from 1980 to 2006. However, Al wasn’t just a coach. He also played football. He was a three year letterman in football and received best defensive player. When he started his coaching career he was quoted as being “excited” by the Athens Messenger to see what being the head football coach would hold for him. He then held the head football coaching position from 2007 to 2010. During this time, he was also the head boys track coach (2007 to 2009 and 2011). He was the High School Social Studies teacher from 2006 to his retirement in 2018. He started teaching at Federal Hocking with five years of experience.
Although he is gone, we can be certain he will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Al Green. He will be missed by those who knew him. While Al Green’s funeral services will be private, his family asks that all donations be made to the Federal Hocking Athletic Department in his honor.
