From O’Dea Athlete to PE Teacher: How Mike Rittman’s High School Years Shaped His Life

SEATTLE — For Mike Rittman, O’Dea was more than just a high school. It was the place that helped shape his future. Rittman, a 2004 O’Dea graduate, said his time at the school taught him structure, discipline, and the meaning of brotherhood. Those lessons stayed with him long after graduation and eventually led him to a career in teaching.

Rittman said his connection to O’Dea began early. As a kid, he attended Friday night football games and quickly became interested in the school. He remembers watching O’Dea dominate on the field and realizing it was where he wanted to go.

“I want to go to O’Dea,” Rittman said, recalling how those early football memories helped shape his decision.

Starting at O’Dea, however, was not easy. Like many freshmen, Rittman said he felt nervous and overwhelmed during his first days. He remembers walking into orientation and seeing older, bigger students all around him.

“I was intimidated,” Rittman said. “You’re a freshman. You’re scared. You’re nervous. You don’t know what to expect.”

Despite those early nerves, Rittman quickly found his place through athletics. During his time at O’Dea, he played football, wrestling, and baseball. He said sports helped keep him focused and organized.

“The biggest thing was keeping my life structured,” Rittman said.

His schedule often revolved around school, practice, dinner, and homework. That routine helped him stay on track academically while also building strong friendships through sports.

Rittman said athletics also helped him understand the true meaning of O’Dea’s brotherhood. He formed close bonds with teammates across different sports, many of whom he still keeps in touch with today.

“Whether it was in class or sports, I knew that I could always count on them,” Rittman said.

More than 20 years later, those connections remain strong. Rittman said he can still reach out to former classmates for help, advice, or support.

One of the most influential people during Rittman’s time at O’Dea was legendary football coach Monte Kohler. Rittman said Kohler cared deeply about every student, not just the top athletes.

He remembers a moment when Kohler took the time to teach him how to tie his tie on a game day. For Rittman, that small gesture showed how much the coach cared about the students he worked with.

“That’s how much he cared about you,” Rittman said. “He’s going to help you with everything you need help with.”

That level of support played a role in shaping Rittman’s future career. Today, he works as a physical education teacher in Portland and has been teaching for 18 years. He said his time at O’Dea helped him realize that sports are about more than winning.

“More importantly, you want to teach people how to be good people,” Rittman said.

Looking back, Rittman said O’Dea had a lasting impact on the person he became. From sports to academics to brotherhood, the school taught him lessons that continue to guide him today.

His advice to current students is simple.

“Live it up while you’re there. Do the best you can.”

For Rittman, O’Dea was not just where he went to school. It was where he learned how to grow. Check out the link to a video interview with Mike Rittman: https://youtu.be/5f8Iszj2QKY