Charlie Pohlman was a physical education teacher, driver’s education teacher and track coach at the nearby Girard and later North Mac school districts for 32 years. He also coached cross country at Blackburn starting in 1994. Last year, he retired as a teacher and coach only to be diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and chronic degenerative disease of the nervous system that targets the brain and spinal cord’s nerve cells by weakening muscles and impacting physical function. ALS is incurable but can be helped with treatment. There are only 20,000 cases in the U.S. each year.
North Mac Middle School science teacher Ashley Creasey and other teachers from the North Mac School District are planning a five kilometer benefit run for Pohlman to raise awareness and money for him and his family. Creasey said she believed it is important to show up if possible for not only Pohlman but for the community.
“Mr. Pohlman has been an active and valuable member of our community and nearby communities for years as a teacher and coach. Not only has he played an important role in the lives of children and athletes – he really is one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever been lucky enough to know,” said Creasey.
The benefit will be held on March 25 at North Mac Middle School in Girard where participants will run and walk in honor of Pohlman and receive t-shirts designed by the North Mac High School art class. Students are required to pay $15; adults $20. The race is set to start at 10 a.m. You can register at the middle school from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Head Cross Country Coach Mark Hopping said runners from Blackburn will participate in the race. If you wish to help Pohlman with treatment, you can send donations to any North Mac school.