It is hard to believe that this is my 50th year in the White Plains School District, having begun my career in September 1974 as a first-year history teacher at the Community School (now called Rochambeau). It was there that I taught history for 37 years before, in June 2010, retiring from the classroom. I loved being in the classroom, teaching thousands of students over the years, several with whom I am still in contact.
Under the tutelage of Nick Panaro, I began my coaching career in November 1976, as the assistant coach for the indoor and outdoor teams, and I am now in 2024 in my 48th consecutive year of coaching at least one season of track and field or cross country for the Tigers. Over the years, our coaching staff has produced several state champions, and numerous team and individual league, county and sectional champions, the latest being the boys cross country county champions of 2022, and the girls cross country league champions of 2023. Over all these years I have stressed pride in one’s efforts and sacrifice for the team. I am proud that I am in contact with so many of my former athletes, each producing smile-inducing communications.
In 2001, I became Meet Director of the Glenn D. Loucks Games, now in its 56th year. During my tenure, the meet has grown from two days to three, and we now have over 65 events. Teams travel from many states to compete in White Plains, as we annually have over 3,000 athletes from all along the East Coast (Maine through Virginia) and from as far west as Wisconsin, all bringing revenue to the city’s hotels and restaurants. Residents of White Plains would be so proud to hear the comments that are made by many of the out-of-towners, who speak of the lovely tree-lined streets, beautiful grounds of White Plains High School, fine restaurants and hotels, and the friendliness of our residents.
Track has been a major part of my life, having grown up in Mount Vernon and running for the Knights, on one of the top track teams in New York State history. My track coaches Dave Rider and the late Bob Brooke produced a series of state and national champions. I was fortunate to have won three state championships and two national hurdle titles. I am also proud that I ran in the first three Loucks Games, having won three titles. Those efforts helped me achieve a scholarship to Penn State University.
Besides coaching, I love doing research and trivia (I was a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire). In 2016 I wrote a novel, The Quorum’s Child and Constitution-Challenging Election of 2020, followed by my creation of a trivia board game, Tx3: Totally Timeless Trivia. Now, when I’m not working on the Games, I’m writing my second novel, The Best Job of All Time.
My wife Margo is a hairstylist in Bedford Hills, a veteran of over 35 years behind the chair. She is a Bronx native, and she and I share a home in Brewster filled with love and laughs.
My daughter Amanda Singleton Grogan is in her fifth year teaching at Ridgeway Elementary School in White Plains, after having taught for several years at the Windward School located on Westchester Ave. It was there that she met her husband, John, and they are the proud parents of my granddaughter Tatum.
Although my family is spread over the country, we remain close through our efforts to keep in contact through email chains and telephone calls. I am proud to be the brother of Ken Singleton, the former major league baseball player and YES Network announcer, and the cousin of former Knick and now Milwaukee Bucks coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers. They, and my other cousins, remain in weekly contact. And I am proud of my in-laws, as Margo comes from a large family, one that has several get togethers per year.
I am so happy that my life’s path brought me to White Plains, as I have witnessed the growth of the city and myself. And although I have never been an actual resident of White Plains, I am so glad to call it “Home.”
