EDMONDS — Mike Clemans has worked countless games and tournaments throughout his 20 years as the assistant director of athletics for the Edmonds School District.

Though he’s not kept track, the number likely is close to 2,000.

Asked what was the most memorable moment of his career, Clemans answers quickly and without hesitation.

“Every event,” he said. “They all stand out. The next event I hope to be the best event each time.”

In a few days, Clemans won’t be able to say that anymore. The face so many people associate with sports in the Edmonds School District is retiring on Friday, Jan. 29.

Clemans, 62, plans to stay busy to the end. He’s currently working on the spring schedules. The district’s sports calendar is just one of many responsibilities. Clemans also is involved in coaching standards, coaches’ orientations, mentoring of coaches, scheduling of officials and event staff and supervision of event staff.

“If it has anything to do with athletics, I had to know about it,” said Clemans, a 1966 graduate of Meadowdale High School, who resides in Lynnwood.

The decision to retire wasn’t difficult to make.

“It’s time to move on,” Clemans said. “I think I’ve accomplished what I set out to do and that was to give something back to the community that I went to school in and that I live in.”

Clemans will have plenty to keep himself occupied in retirement. He is looking forward to doing a lot of fishing, camping and golfing. If Clemans feels like it, he’ll attend a game or two and just enjoy being a spectator.

Then there are the children and grandchildren. Clemans and his bride of 42 years Martha have two daughters – Michole and Monica – and three grandchildren. His six days of work a week routine prevented Clemans from attending many of his grandchildren’s games and activities.

“The schedule doesn’t lend itself to being a grandpa or even much of a dad for that matter,” Clemans said. “But we managed. I have two great kids. They’ve been really supportive for a long time.”

The athletes, coaches and parents of the district probably feel the same way about Clemans.

“It’s always been my goal that whenever you come to one of the events in the Edmonds School District that win or lose, spectator or athlete or coach, that you leave our venue feeling like you’ve been treated to something special,” Clemans said. “And if you’ve done that and you walked away with that feeling, my whole career has been a success.”

Clemans came to the educational field somewhat late in life. He was 40 when he was hired by the school district.

Perhaps it was inevitable: both of Clemans’ parents worked in the Edmonds School District. His late father Jim was a principal, while mother Kitty was a counseling/special education secretary.

“I didn’t have a natural career until I came to the school district,” Clemans said. “It’s always been in my blood.”

Before coming to the school district, Clemans was an assistant store manager for Fred Meyer. At that time he started to become involved in youth athletics. Clemans was first hired to work in a student retention program before he eventually found his way to the athletic department. Prior to being hired as the assistant athletic director, Clemans coached football at Lynnwood High School.

Clemans jumped at the opportunity to work in the athletic department.

“I knew I’d love it,” he said.

A major reason why is that Clemans has been able to watch as athletes he’s coached and been involved with become politicians, lawyers, doctors and police officers.

“It’s been a lifelong dream to give back to the kids of the community and give the kids in our community the opportunity to grow as people and become productive citizens in our community,” Clemans said. “I’ve seen that happen.”

During his tenure with the district, Clemans worked the longest with Kim Wilson and Terri McMahan, two members of the WIAA Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.

Wilson and McMahan helped guide Clemans through the years and also showed him the importance of sports in helping to develop young people.

“The overall educational experience that you were able to provide kids isn’t just the math and the English and the history, but it’s the social skills that we’re able to teach through athletics,” Clemans said. “It’s the work ethic. How do I talk to people? How do I respond when I’m being talked to?”

McMahan remembers Clemans as a man passionate about his job.

“Everything Mike did came from his heart and his caring and concern for the kids,” said McMahan, who worked with Clemans for 11 years. “He had his priority in the right place when it came to doing his job.”

Clemans also brought a zest for life that elicited smiles from his co-workers.

“He always looked on the bright side of life,” McMahan said. “The glass was always half full.”

Clemans’ duties are going to be picked up by several people in the athletic office. His advice to them is simple.

“Do what’s best for kids,” Clemans said. “That’s always been my motto. Do what’s best for kids.”