News Summary

Lockport Township High School bids farewell to Bob Champlin, a beloved physics teacher with over 30 years of dedication. Known for his inspiring teaching methods and commitment to students, Champlin leaves behind a legacy in both education and coaching. As he transitions into retirement, he plans to continue teaching part-time while reflecting on the many relationships he built with students and colleagues over the years.

Lockport Bids Farewell to Beloved Physics Teacher

Lockport Township is feeling a mix of nostalgia and excitement as the beloved Bob Champlin wraps up over 30 years of teaching physics at Lockport Township High School (LTHS). For the first time since 1993, when he joined the science department, Champlin will not step into the classroom to inspire students in the world of physics.

A Legacy of Education

Champlin’s journey began in the fall of 1993, and he quickly dived into a variety of physics classes, teaching everything from AP Physics 1 to honors and regular physics classes. He even dipped his toe into chemistry for a short period, demonstrating his versatility as a dedicated educator. It was his mother, a teacher herself, who sparked his passion for teaching in him. After his freshman year of college, Champlin discovered that he found joy in teaching rather than working in an environmental lab, which felt too repetitive for his taste.

Beyond Academia: Coaching and Mentoring

In addition to his commitment in the classroom, Champlin has been deeply involved with the Lockport Porters’ tennis teams as a coach since 1995. Despite not playing at the collegiate level, his high school experience led him to take on coaching unexpectedly and ultimately find immense satisfaction in mentoring young athletes. He led the boys’ junior varsity and varsity teams from 1995 to 2000, took a brief hiatus while his children were young, and then returned to coaching in 2006.

From 2010 to 2020, Champlin expanded his reach by coaching the girls’ junior varsity and varsity teams. His coaching career boasts all-state players and numerous wins at conference and sectional tournaments, which speak volumes about his prowess and dedication to the sport.

Balancing Act: Work and Life

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a shift, and Champlin decided to scale down his coaching duties to focus solely on the boys junior varsity team in 2021. His commitment didn’t stop with coaching tennis, as he also sponsored the science club for many years, guiding students through a range of competitions. These included the statewide WYSE program, Science Olympiad, and an annual bridge-building contest at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Lockport’s science department benefitted from Champlin’s collegial spirit. He spoke fondly of the renowned stability and consistency he experienced over the years while working closely with fellow educators.

A Bright Future Ahead

As he steps into retirement, Champlin has no intention of hanging up his teaching hat entirely. He plans to continue guiding students part-time at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. While he looks forward to this new chapter, he acknowledges that not coaching will feel strange. The weekend time that he gains will certainly be an adjustment!

Looking back on his extensive career, Champlin holds dear the relationships he has cultivated with students and fellow teachers at LTHS. The memories he created over the years are sure to remain with him as he trades the classroom for more personal endeavors.

Champlin’s retirement marks the end of an era at Lockport Township High School, but the impact he has made on the generations of students and athletes will last a lifetime. As he prepares for this new phase and plans to occasionally visit LTHS, the community will surely feel his absence, but also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

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