Retiring after 38 years, Bob Wenman sat in a chair next to his name, painted on the basketball court at the Ballard Boys and Girls Club recently.

The staff wanted to preserve the moment, setting up a video camera to record his interview with the News-Tribune. Wenman's last day as athletic director was August 1.

He attended Central Washington University to study to be a teacher. In 1967 he was drafted into the Army.

When left the service, he went to work at the boys and girls clubs in Wallingford and Greenwood, before ending up in Ballard.

He has been at the Ballard club since 1978 and spent 13 years as the director.

"I tell kids to have fun, listen to the leaders and go away from here feeling you've done something positive for us and themselves," said Wenman.

He will miss the young people he has inspired all these years.

"When you see kids turn into adults with jobs and families, it really makes me feel good," said Wenman.

The most rewarding aspect of his job has been seeing young people grow up. He said the real impact is having kids come back to tell you about their successful lives as adults.

"I hope I've made an impact on someone's life," said Wenman.

When he first joined the staff, there was only one other staff member and 200 kids. The club had a limited budget.

"Now we have over 1,000 kids and 25 staff," he said.

The club has had two kids named the King County Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year and Wenman takes pride in that.

Wenman would rather be outside maintaining the baseball field than sitting at his desk. He finds pleasure in raking the grass and chalking lines for base paths and foul lines.

"Going out there, there is no phone. There is no sunshine in the office," said Wenman.

When he's not outside Wenman can be seen working the scoreboard for a basketball game, driving a van to pick up children or doing various tasks around the club.

In retirement, Wenman plans to do projects around the house that he has not had time to do.

He'll visit sunny Hawaii, one of his favorite places. Wenman will also go see relatives in Arizona.

New kids will come and be reminded of Wenman's legacy.

The gymnasium "Bob Wenman Court" is named after him.

Wenman was surprised when the club painted his name on the floor several years ago.

"It's very much an honor," said Wenman.