SIDNEY, Neb. - After 28 years of programs, projects and growth at the Cheyenne County Community Center, Mike Namuth says the people he worked alongside will be what he remembers most.
Community members, current and former employees, board members and supporters gathered Tuesday, Sept. 15, at The Rock Sports Bar & Grill in Sidney to celebrate Namuth's retirement and nearly three decades of service to The Center.
"It meant a lot to just see everybody come out to my retirement party," Namuth said. "All the people who have been through this journey with me and my staff to build what is built today. All the supporters, all the members, just everybody. It was truly amazing."
Namuth joined The Center as sports director in 1998. His first assignment gave him three days to prepare fields for soccer. He became executive director in 2002 and eventually helped oversee an organization with an annual budget that grew from approximately $375,000 to nearly $1.8 million.
His tenure included the development and expansion of Kids Korner, growth of youth and adult sports, acquisition and renovation of The Training Room and other facility improvements.
Namuth, however, said those accomplishments belong to more than one person.
"If I didn't have the staff that I had throughout the years, none of this would've happened," Namuth said. "There's no way I could've done this on my own. I commend the staff. They're the ones that deserve the credit, not me."
Leaving those relationships behind, he said, has made retirement emotional.
"The thing I'm going to miss most is the staff," Namuth said. "Those people are in my heart. I truly love each and every one of them. I really appreciate their effort, care and hard work."
Namuth said he will also carry memories of board members, staff and community members who helped shape The Center during his 28 years.
"It's very tough," he said. "It's one of those things you don't realize that when you retire, you're not part of it anymore. But I've come to realize that's what happens in life. It'll always be cherished memories."
After 28 years of schedules, meetings, programs and projects, Namuth had a considerably shorter answer when asked what's next.
"Do whatever the hell I want," he said.
