Miosek began his teaching career at Cherry Valley in 1972, and won three state titles as coach of the girls soccer teams during the 1970s. He taught a wide range of subjects at Cherry Valley, and has always tried to stay involved with the students on many different levels, such as chaperoning school trips, he said.

``I’ve always enjoyed seeing kids outside of the academic arena,’’ he said. ``It gives you a different perspective on them that you otherwise wouldn’t have.’’

Miosek began coaching boys soccer at Cooperstown in 1988 and continued to teach at Cherry Valley for two years until joining the Cooperstown staff in 1990 as a sixth grade science teacher. He currently teaches AP and Regents Biology, and during his 17 years at Cooperstown has continued to be involved in many aspects of students’ lives.

``There weren’t many days that I wished I wasn’t a teacher, I’ve enjoyed it,’’ he said. ``But my wife (Susan) retired last year and it’s time for me to join her.’’

Miosek, 56, said he will continue to stay busy after retirement.

``We want to travel to see the grandchildren more often,’’ he said. ``And we’re going to take full advantage of what Cooperstown has to offer in the way of kayaking, running skiing and biking.’’

Miosek has coached both of his sons, Brendan and Ryan, at Cooperstown, and both went on to play Division One soccer. He guided the baseball team to a Section Three Class C title this spring, his second sectional title as baseball coach, and has also won a sectional title in soccer.

``I’m a disciple of Don Howard,’’ Miosek said, referring to the longtime CCS boys track coach who retired from teaching several years ago but continued to coach the team for a few years. ``I’d like to keep coaching for a few more years, but it will depend on health and other circumstances that may come up.’’

Although Miosek has a winning record in every sport he coaches, he said winning and losing is not the most important aspect of coaching to him.

``Teaching sportsmanship and doing things the right way is what I value,’’ he said. ``Learning to handle stress and working together as a team have always been important to me.’’

Miosek said he also enjoys talking to the long line of former players who have gone on to become coaches themselves.

``I never give advice, but I enjoy acting as a sounding board and making suggestions,’’ he said.

Former player Scott Waller, who set the boys soccer record in scoring at CCS in the early 1990s, now is the head coach of a high school team in Washington D.C.

``Scott calls me several times a season and we just discuss what’s happening,’’ Miosek said. ``I enjoy that.’’

Cooperstown athletic director Mike Cring said Miosek will be missed.

``I’ve always found Frank to be a great role model for the kids,’’ Cring said. ``He has boundless amounts of energy and he really seems to care about each individual.’’

I’ve enjoyed his thoughtfulness in the way he interacts with kids.’’