Coaches combat bus driver shortage

jacob ROBINSON

The bus driver shortage has caused sports to be left short a bus or without transportation entirely.

For this reason, Cross Country Coach Matthew Nienhaus stepped up.

“The biggest reason is because, as the head track coach the last couple years, we've had horrible times trying to find drivers to take us when we need to go,” Nienhaus said.

Nienhaus said he was interested in doing it, but Lisa Nieder, activities assistant, encouraged him to do it after listening to his frustrations about the shortage.

“So kind of jokingly, I said, well then why don’t you become a bus driver and then you could drive your own team and it solves all your problems,” Nieder said.

After saying this in a joking manner, Nieder said Neinhaus was inspired.

“We dove in and got the information we needed to do it,” Nieder said.

Nienhaus trained with district transportation for six days, nine hours a day, over the winter break.

The shortage of drivers has allowed Nienhaus to drive a lot of the weekday trips for the track team, the bus he drives remaining on campus for his use.

“And then next fall and next winter, if I'm not already doing something for Marquette, then I'll do some other sport trips, unless things correct themselves,” Nienhaus said. “But right now, they only have three trip drivers for the entire district.”

Junior Nathan Rampey, sprinter, said Nienhaus driving will make getting to meets easier, especially for underclassmen who can’t drive.

“It helps keep the coach with everyone and makes sure we are all together,” Rampey said.

Jennifer O'Brien, boys volleyball coach, also trained to drive a school bus in order to transport her team.

Both coaches receive an hourly wage for the times they drive.

1. Teacher

Matthew Nienhaus teaches math courses such as Trigonometry and Geometry during the day. Photograph by Kate Jesperson

2. Coach

After school, Nienhaus coaches track and field. Photograph by Anika Talyan

3. Bus Driver

Due to bus driver shortages, Nienhaus stepped up to drive the track and field athletes to and from their meets.

Photograph by David Moss