Jim Trulock has spent nearly three decades shaping young lives at MACCRAY, but now he's ready for the final buzzer. The 61-year-old activities director is retiring after 29 years with the district, and the emotions are running as high as a championship game.
"It's my choice, but I really am having a hard time dealing with it," Trulock said. "I still love working with kids."
The decision wasn't made lightly. Trulock, who has been the school's AD for the past nine years, cited health concerns and family needs as the driving factors. He's been battling rheumatoid arthritis for four decades—a condition that takes a toll on even the toughest competitors. But the hardest part? Leaving the sidelines.
His last day is June 30, and the torch will pass to Derik Johnson on July 1. Johnson is no stranger to the area, having served as AD at Renville County West, which co-ops with MACCRAY in sports like track and field. In fact, the MACCRAY/RCW girls' 4x800-meter relay team is the defending state champion, currently holding a blistering time of 10:01.62 this spring.
"We are excited to welcome Derik Johnson to MACCRAY," said Superintendent Adam Holm. "Derik's experience, energy, and commitment to students will help continue the strong tradition established by Jim Trulock. We are also deeply grateful for Jim's outstanding leadership and service to our schools and community."
Johnson brings a wealth of coaching experience and has spent the last two years in the private sector with Horace Mann investments and insurance. He steps into a role that Trulock filled with passion, but the outgoing AD isn't just about the wins and losses.
Trulock takes equal pride in his work with MACCRAY's Alternative Learning Program, helping struggling students cross the finish line with their high school diplomas. It's that off-the-field impact that defines his career.
A Tracy native and former wrestler at Southwest Minnesota State University and Westmar College, Trulock began teaching in 1989 in Ellsworth before coaching in Adrian. He landed at MACCRAY as a PE, health, and driver's ed instructor before moving into the AD role. Under his watch, the school has built top-tier facilities—from new tennis courts to a turf field and track complex—all for a high school with fewer than 200 students.
"We have a lot of options for a small school district," Trulock said. "Our facilities are top notch. And, overall, we have really good kids."
With 15 applicants for his position, the competition was fierce, but Johnson emerged as the pick. For Trulock, the next chapter means more time with family, including his daughter and her baby, whose husband passed away a year and a half ago. It's a bittersweet finish, but one that honors a career built on more than just sports.