Ten Questions with Donna Wiedeburg Power School Administrator / Webmaster

You see Donna Wiedeburg at every Sidney school event, taking pictures and encouraging the students. Besides recording sports and other activities, she serves as an assistant coach for the Red Raiders' cross country squad.

Wiedeburg started running in the army, urged on by her husband--now a member of Sidney's sheriff's department. She is a veteran of Desert Storm. She has also been a Sidney Public Schools fixture for the past 11 years.

1. How many miles do you cover following Sidney teams around?

I go to every possible event that I can. As a coach for cross country I go to all of those. I was able to go to volleyball sub-state--that was awesome. It's a lot, but look at the reward. Knowing I can solidify memories for the kids--that's huge.

2. What was your favorite moment of the school year?

Let me think ... I have so many, I really do. It's hard to pinpoint just one. But when I'm able to get a picture of a kid and they get positive feedback, when it builds a kid's confidence--I'm lucky.

3. My favorite was when the kids created the Fatheads of you.

[Buries head in hands]. It was a compliment. I tried to get over my embarrassment. I don't like to be on the other side of the lens.

4. How would you feel without a camera?

I don't know how I would feel. I've never really not had it with me. One of the greatest feelings in the world is when kids come up and say 'that's an awesome picture. Pictures are really worth a thousand words.

5. Why coach?

Because it's a combination of the two things I love: kids and running. We have a fantastic group of coaches on the cross country team. We want to make a great team. I've been blessed to be around motivated people.

6. Why did you start running?

My husband. We met in the army and he was in super physical condition and I was not. His love for it gave me a passion for it. When I started I couldn't even run one mile. One of my favorite memories was when I ran my first 13 miles.

7. How many miles to you run in a year?

I ran 183 in April. I have to stay in good shape. The cross country coaches run with the kids.

8. What's the worst weather to run in?

I would say snow. Wind is only going to bother you on half of your run. I love running in the rain. I love the heat.

9. Do you have a favorite place?

Fort Robinson. We take the cross country team up there. Those are my favorite runs. I love those kids. I love all kids.

10. Why not just kick back on the couch?

Because my brain always finds something else I need to be doing. There is no rest. If someone needs something from me, I'm going to do it.