Tuesday's senior recognition night at Glenn Butler Court at Siuslaw High School will be a great moment for soon to graduate members of the band, the boys and girls basketball teams and the cheerleaders.

It also will be a poignant exclamation to an amazing career for retiring Siuslaw Hall of Fame coach Diane Conlee.

Conlee ends her 30-year teaching career and decades of coaching Vikings cheerleaders with the state championships Saturday at Portland.

Exploding Whale Sports emailed a list of questions.

This was her reply:

"I struggle with interviews right now and can't make it through one without tearing up, so thank you for letting me write this to you.

"I was born in Redmond, Oregon.

"I went to school and graduated from Phoenix High School in Phoenix, Oregon where my dad was a coach, teacher, and then the principal there.  I went to college at Western Oregon in Monmouth, Oregon.  I was a classified employee at the old middle school and then worked in the library at the old elementary school before finishing my teaching degree.  I have taught since 1989 and coached for longer. Both of my children were born here in Florence and graduated from Siuslaw High School.

"I have actually wanted to be a teacher since I was in the third grade.  Only one time did I sway away from that thought when for a brief time I wanted to major in horticulture and own my own nursery.  Now I have the best of both worlds where I can teach and then garden in my free time as a hobby.

"I would have to say that I would like to thank all of the administrators, athletic directors, and band directors who truly supported our cheerleading program and helped to make it what it has become.  The past several athletic directors have really made my teams feel like they are an important part of the tradition at Siuslaw High School.

"I really would like to thank (SHS athletic director/coach) Chris Johnson and the Hall of Fame Committee for honoring me with the induction into the Hall of Fame.  Such a humbling experience to be added to the list of so many great coaches who were nominated before me.  I would never have thought that was something that would happen to a cheerleading coach.  I feel so blessed to have received that recognition.

"So many great memories — I consider almost everything a special moment, taking a JV team of cheerleaders to USCA Nationals in Lansing, Michigan, Aloha Bowl halftimes — Emily Harline packed a miniature Christmas tree in her suitcase so they could have a tree in their Hotel room in Hawaii for the Aloha Bowl. Pro Bowl halftimes in Hawaii, skits at summer camp. The team my daughter was on, put on a skit at summer camp that was talked about for years — so funny to the point of tears. Community service events we have been a part of  — until last year, cheerleaders had been a part of every Relay For Life since the very first one, state competitions, the teams I coached that were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and all of the playoff and state games we got to cheer at.

"While state competitions are a chance for us to show off our skills in cheerleading, the main purpose of cheer is to represent the community and school they cheer for and to support the teams on the field or on the floor. I think we have done that and more.

"Beyond what you see, cheerleading gives athletes a chance to build confidence, leadership skills, responsibility, and learn to work together to accomplish goals and more.  These are all traits that will make them successful later in life as community members, coworkers and parents. When I talk to some of my past cheerleaders, I am always so impressed by what they are doing and love that many of them are in professions that help others, promote music in our schools, and provide support and help to those who need it.

"When it comes right down to it, the athletes you have on your team are what keep you coming back every year.  They make it happen and it really is all about them!  To watch teams grow, improve, get that full extension for the first time, finish a competition routine and come off of the floor knowing you gave it everything you had, that is what makes being a coach so rewarding and has kept me in it for so many years. Their personalities, gifts, and talents all make the memories I keep.

"As for retirement, we have purchased a house, with a pool, in Surprise, Arizona. My son's family lives there, and I hope to be able to spend so much more time with my granddaughters, one whom is in seventh grade and is really into gymnastics, and one who is in kindergarten and wants to be a swimmer like her daddy.

"I still love hearing the (Vikings/Wisconsin) Fight Song when the teams come on the field or the court and get a tear when the band plays the National Anthem. Especially if Chris Rowbotham is playing trumpet. I will remember my time here fondly and will wear blue and gold with pride always.

"Go Viks!"