Samo says good-bye to Tim Ballaret

On Thurs., March 2, Samo’s athletic director Tim Ballaret announced his resignation. He’s moving to Ventura County with his wife, and will be working for the Special Olympics in Santa Barbara.“I loved working here at Samo with all the athletic teams,” Ballaret said. “Seeing all the growth and development of all the athletic teams has been great to see and I look forward to continued growth through our outstanding coaches. Being a part of two CIF championship teams has been a highlight as well.”According to Ballaret, finding new opportunities was what led him to Samo. Although he has left Samo, the imprint he’s left on the school will be remembered by many students. Patricia Santos (’18), a member of the ASB athletics committee, remembers Ballaret’s contributions to the athletics department.“Mr. Ballaret has provided profound organization and creativity to the athletics department,”  Santos said. “One of my fondest memories with him and the athletics committee was creating the games for half times during football season. I wish nothing but the best for him at his new job and I hope he'll always hold a piece of Samo athletics in his heart.”As the athletes say goodbye to Ballaret, so do the coaches. According to track and field and cross country coach Tania Fischer, Ballaret has been a positive influence. “He is always optimistic and hardworking,” Fisher said. “He helped the track team get sand for the long jump pit and helped keep the track repaired and clean. I appreciated his follow though and organization." While Ballaret was hard at work and dedicated to his job, according to Fischer, his door was always open and happy to catch up. Along with having an open heart, Ballaret is also very supportive and enthusiastic of all the athletic teams at Samo. He has participated in faculty versus student volleyball games. According to soccer coach Nicole Yumori, he is a skilled volleyball player and will be missed in the next faculty versus students game.“Mr. Ballaret has been positive leader to the athletics department,” Yumori said. “He has been very supportive of all the coaches and sports programs on campus. Mr. Ballaret was at many of the athletic events lending his support even at away games.”Ballaret’s job was effectively filled by Brian Patenaude as of Monday, March 20. Patenaude has taught physical education in Connecticut and California. He was the athletics director in a Culver City charter school before starting his career with SMMUSD. While Patenaude will be a strong addition to the Samo community, Ballaret will be dearly missed. “Mr. Ballaret has been a great Athletic Director over the last few years, [and] Samo will miss his leadership,” Yumori said.