Phil Autrey: ACE's Marathon Man

“Running has taken me on adventures great and small, at home and around the world. It has provided me with hope and perseverance on days when I had none—and even, once every great while, warmed me with that fleeting ray of sunshine known as glory.” —Martin Dugard

Running marathons changed the trajectory of Phil Autrey’s life. In 2007, a decade after graduating from ACE, Phil was still working in education. He struggled, though, to see how his work as an educational consultant in Philadelphia connected him to Catholic education. As far as he could see, the travel demands of his job precluded him from engaging in local parish activities as frequently as he might have hoped. Though he still kept up with ACE friends from time to time, life’s hectic nature meant those conversations were sporadic and get-togethers infrequent.

By chance, though, Phil and his friends heard about the annual ACE marathon, which was happening in Fort Worth, Texas, in the spring of 2007. Running was really the only viable form of exercise that Phil could do while traveling, and as a lifelong athlete, Phil had always wanted to run a marathon. He decided to take it upon himself to run this marathon, cheered on by several of his classmates as a sort of ten-year reunion anniversary from ACE.  

While there, Phil rediscovered the sense of community that ACE provided him as a teacher. In particular, he enjoyed meeting the current Teaching Fellows–ACE 12 and 13–and discussing the struggles and successes that all new teachers feel as they adjust to the classroom. Phil felt the profound connection that they all shared as members of ACE, despite the difference in years. Their shared sense of mission bridged whatever perceived age gap that might have existed.

Phil firmly believes in the adage that “everything happens for a reason,” and this marathon was no different. In the immediate sense, it sparked an interest in running. After finishing the Fort Worth marathon, Phil set a personal goal to run a half marathon in every state in the country. Over the next seven years, he methodically checked states off his list. Moreover, Phil participated in every ACE marathon to remain connected with the ACE community. Phil completed his half-marathon goal in 2014, averaging seven runs a year and totaling 700 miles run since 2007.

One particularly special moment came at the 2010 ACE marathon in Phoenix. Phil met a former student of his from Charlotte who had gone on to become a member of the Teaching Fellows program, and they ran the race together. Phil realized his brief time as a teacher had continued to influence the lives of so many through his student, even ten years after “leaving” ACE. In short, it showed Phil that, despite his perceptions, he had always remained a part of the Catholic school mission.

The Fort Worth marathon, though, not only inspired Phil to undertake the adventure of running in every state, but also changed his professional career. By running the ACE marathons, Phil remained in contact with the community of Catholic schools and, in particular, the current classes of ACE teachers. Hearing their stories each year reminded him of the meaningful work that teachers do each day and eventually inspired him to return to the classroom.

He began by volunteering to coach volleyball at Trinity High School once or twice a week. This opportunity rekindled the love of mentoring and helping students, whether that was with something on the volleyball court, a particular subject in school, or something outside of “school” completely. In 2013, Phil began his own consulting company, Blue Irish Solutions, which limited the amount of travel necessary for his job and afforded him more time in his local community. Because of this, he was able to begin coaching at York Catholic High School, which was closer to his home and also where his nieces and nephews would eventually attend. 

While he loved coaching, he felt that he could be much more effective if he got to know his players within the classroom and in different areas of the school community. When the school hired a new principal, Phil became friends with her and, when approached about joining the faculty on a full-time basis in 2015, realized the time had come to return to the classroom. This is his second year teaching high school Algebra 2 and AP Calculus, a class in which all twelve of his students received 5s on the AP test last July.

Phil Autrey with his AP Calc students

Perpetually in search of a challenge, Phil has vowed to continue participating in the ACE marathons. Each year, Phil, with the help of his students, raises money for the Catholic school around the country that ACE has selected for fundraising. Phil then travels to the site to participate in the weekend festivities. This year, ACE looks forward to welcoming Phil and other members of the ACE community to Los Angeles on February 5 to raise money for St. Albert the Great. For Phil, running has been the vehicle that allowed him to travel, be an active part of the ACE community, and, by chance, lead him on an adventure back to working in Catholic schools.

Phil Autrey served as an AmeriCorps member in Charlotte, NC, in the 2nd cohort of ACE Teaching Fellows.

If you would like to help with this cause, please visit ace.nd.edu/marathon to support and learn more.