Jon Buhlmann
C-H sports writer
ELWOOD – Ed Arends has been a familiar face around the halls of Elwood Public Schools for a number of years. The long time Elwood Activities Director and former coach has decided to step down at the end of the school year.
As he sits in his “Crow’s Nest” high above the basketball court, he made the hard decision of leaving the school that he spent his entire teaching career at, never once leaving for other opportunitites.
The long time Elwood teacher will retire at the end of the school year, marking 29 years of service to the school, along with 12 years as the school’s Athletic Director.
Arends decided to step down because he felt it in his gut that it was just that time.
“You know when you get that feeling like it’s time to move on,” Arends said. “The repetition over the years was starting to get to me and so I made the decision it was time to move on.”
With his old wooden desk, he sits in his neatly organized office surounded by the sports that he has come to love over the years. The football helmets, the golf bags, even the trophies that the Pirate wrestling had won this season , sitting high on his cabinet for him to see.
Arends has led some of Elwood’s greatest sports teams in past years, as he led the wrestling team for 29 years, capturing 36 individual medals with one state champion in 2000 (Matt White).
Arends was also the leader of the Pirates’ golf team, where his son, Brant, won an individual state title in 1996.
Arends also led the 1997 boys’ golf squad to a third place finish at the state golf meet.
When Arends steps down at the end of the season, Elwood’s new hire Andrew Chrisinger will become the new head wrestling coach in the fall.
Arends was also the Assistant Football Coach for the Pirates for 29 years under Kevin Mahlberg, where the Pirates went 174-95 during that time, including a semi-final appearance in 1987, 1991 and  2007.
Arends plans to stay around the Elwood area after retirement, continuing to work at Lakeside Country Club, just north of Elwood.

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One Comment on Arends to retire after 29 years

Steve on Wed, 10th Mar 2010 11:41 am


“Fast Eddie” will be missed by not only the Elwood faithful, but those around the area. He has been a great influence on a number of players, coaches and adminstrators for several neighboring schools. Good luck to Andrew, you have big shoes to fill!

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