Coach Tolar Takes Teens Abseiling

We have been privileged to enjoy a lot of adventures. Yesterday offered yet another one. Coach Tolar offered to take some of the teens abseiling. In the US we often call it repelling. I came along as driver, chaperone, helper, and participant. Hannah, Sterling, and Camille were some of the teenage participants.

The drive to the 150 foot high rock face was not long. It is near Miango, where we have often gone in the past. Double click on the image to enlarge. You will see the people at the bottom.

At the base Coach Jay Tolar briefed us on technique and safety.

As an aside, we cannot praise Coach Tolar enough. The kids all love him. He is a huge asset to the school. He directs all of the athletic programs, teaches physical education, and coaches the men’s teams for soccer, basketball, track and field, and volleyball. For physical education, he not only involves the kids in the basic sports, but for the seniors he includes archery, shooting, and abseiling. Not only is he a great teacher, but he is a great role model. He is man of deep faith and he emphasizes good character and integrity in all activities. Because he has both challenged and entertained our children, their experience here in Nigeria has not only been enriching, it has been fun as well. He has consequently been very instrumental in making this year a success for our entire family. We are very grateful for his outstanding leadership. In my book, he is the coach of coaches

The usual way down the mountain is back first. Camille had her first trip down in the usual fashion.

Hannah was the most experienced abseiler amongst us, since she had been up on the rock with the senior PE class. She was fearless. She preferred coming down the mountain “Aussie” style, i.e. face first.

By the end of the day, the Mitchell family was able to come down together Aussie style.

Michael Mitchell, MD