"Hey Hills..."
3rd Edition
Hey Hills Foreword:
A long time ago, I wrote a blog called 'Hey Hills.' Members of the Portledge community would ask me questions about myself or Portledge, and as long as they weren't too personal, I would answer them to the best of my ability. We’ve decided to rekindle this process as part of the new Portledge Press. So, in each issue, I’ll answer a few of the questions that have been submitted.. If I don’t get to your question—don’t worry—I’ll probably get to it in a later issue. If something else comes up in your mind, feel free to ask another question…….so here it goes.
- Phillip Hills
With the end of the school year approaching, I will answer as many of the questions sent to Hey Hills as possible. This will require some answers to be short - maybe even as brief as one word. So, here we go…..
First Question:
Hey Hills ... can you play the guitar?
Even though I’m a legendary air guitarist, I have no skill on a real one.
Second Question:
Hey Hills ... what would it be like if you could coach only one sport?
That’s a tricky question because I genuinely love aspects of all the sports I coach. However, if I had to choose, I would say soccer. There is something about all the preparation that goes into creating a soccer side’s style of play that makes sitting back and watching the team execute exceptional.
Third Question:
Hey Hills ... what’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
I'm a vanilla guy if you're talking good old-fashioned ice cream. There’s nothing better than a nice thick vanilla shake. However, if you expand into the world of frozen ice, then I go straight for Mango as long as it’s available.
Fourth Question:
Hey Hills ... what’s your daily workout routine?
I walk from my car to my classroom and then back and forth to lunch. After all that, I’m usually pretty tired.
Fifth Question:
Hey Hills ... do you get upset when students and teachers cut through your room on their way to the library?
I’ve become accustomed to the cut-through. However, I definitely appreciate it when people ask permission or say a quick “I’m sorry.”
Sixth Question:
Hey Hills ... what’s the best album ever made?
There is no debate on this issue —only fact. The Grateful Dead’s ‘American Beauty’ is the best and most influential album ever made.
Seventh Question:
Hey Hills ... do you have any superstitions related to sports?
OMG, I have loads of superstitions. Two immediately come to mind: I’ll never cut my hair or change tooth brushes during a winning streak.
Eighth Question:
Hey Hills ... what’s your standard Million $ Deli order?
Easy answer….Ham and Swiss on Rye with Mustard and a Half & Half.
Ninth Question:
Hey Hills ... what is the most iconic dispute you and La Flair have ever had?
The answer is that La Flair and I don’t have disputes. He tries to play jokes on me, but I easily decipher his plots and typically turn the tables on him
Tenth Question:
Hey Hills ... (from Coach Penne) what is your best score for a round of golf, and have you ever had a hole-in-one?
My best score, and it was in tournament play, was an even par 73 at the National Golf Links in Southampton, NY. My putter was on fire that day, and it led me to victory over my opponent, Roger Waters from the band Pink Floyd.
Eleventh Question:
Hey Hills ... what’s your funniest childhood memory?
My cousin Nick and I were watching the old television show Star Trek when the character Scottie said to Captain Kirk, “I’m sorry, Captain, but power is going off all over the ship”. As soon as he said that, the power went off in my Grandmother’s house, and my cousin and I sat there in the dark….we laughed for hours and still do whenever we think about it.
Twelfth Question:
Hey Hills ... if you could, as Faculty Marshall, is there a fifth pillar you would add to kindness, honor, purpose, and respect?
I think those four just about say it all, but one characteristic that means a lot to me is perseverance, so maybe I’d add that.
Final Question:
Hey Hills ... what’s your most cherished memory from your time at Portledge?
This is an appropriate final question because there is no answer. Every day I come to Portledge is very special to me, and I honestly cherish all the things that happen to me and all the interactions I have as a teacher and coach.
Well…it’s been my pleasure to answer your questions and work with the Portledge Press staff.
I commend them for their efforts and perseverance!