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Former Seminole AD finds joy in his new life

By PETE YOUNG

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 17, 2001

Fifty is an age when many people begin thinking about retirement.

Allyn Ramker was thinking about a major career change.

This summer, Ramker, after more than 20 years and seven stops at five schools in the Pinellas County school system, is taking a leave of absence and entering a new field: millwork.

Ramker left Seminole after the school year and began working for Hawkeye Millwork & Supply in Clearwater. He makes tables for restaurants.

He loves it.

"I've always dabbled in construction," said Ramker, who turned 50 on June 30 and started his new job the same day. "My brother (Andy) is in construction, and I'm working as a resource for him.

"Our family has always been in the business, and I really enjoy it. I've thought about trying it before, and when they offered ... it was a good offer. And I'm going to try it."

The timing is good as Ramker's daughter, Leah, is a senior at Clearwater.

"My daughter is a cheerleader, and this year, I get to go see her at the football games," said Ramker, who makes tables for establishments such as Hooters, Stump's Supper Club, Howl At The Moon and Dan Marino's Town Tavern. "I've always had to be at the (football) game at my school."

Like Michael Jordan switching to baseball, Ramker is quitting on top and taking a stab at something different (hopefully with a little more success).

The past three years, as Seminole athletic director, Ramker has been in charge of one of the area's most successful schools. Last school year, Seminole won the Times All-Sports Award.

Ramker, who was replaced by Craig Thompson, has bounced all over the county during the past two decades.

He began at Lakewood as a teacher and assistant football coach. Then he went to Boca Ciega for two years, Countryside for one, Bogie again for two, Osceola for four, Bogie a third time for 10 as athletic director and then the past three at Seminole.

Does he miss the old job?

"Once football season gets started, I'll reflect on it," said Ramker, who still will help organize a few events he has been involved with for several years, including the Palms/Pinellas All-Star football game and the Hooters Holiday Shootout basketball tournament.

"But right now, I just haven't had time to think about it."

During his tenures as athletic director, Ramker was associated with six state championship teams, and he finished with one as Seminole baseball captured the 5A crown.

However, it might not be his last. He's only promising he'll give the new career a shot for at least one year. Then he could return.

But so far, so good.

"I haven't retired or resigned, just taken a leave of absence," Ramker said.

"But I really like what I'm doing."

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