Del Oro principal headed into retirement

After 10 years as Del Oro High School's principal, Bob Christiansen has graduated to the world of retirement.Christiansen's Del Oro career spans three decades, during which time he was a teacher, mentor, coach and administrator. He was also a school parent as his daughters Meagan and Courtney both graduated from Del Oro."He was our pillar – tough when needed, but he could be softhearted," said Debbie Brannam, Christiansen's administrative assistant, who worked with him for 10 years. Christiansen said he thinks he will be remembered for "loving Del Oro" and for doing his best to promote it and to ensure that "things were going well." "He's a pretty good principal," said sophomore Brooke McDonough."He keeps everything running smoothly. Del Oro's a pretty good place because of him," she added.Christiansen attended the University of California, Los Angeles, on a football scholarship, played tight end and was named an All American. He was drafted by the Rams and played pro football on various teams for five years before beginning his teaching career. For 17 years, he taught U.S. history, geography and physical education at Del Oro and coached baseball. He served as co-head football coach from 1980 to 1994. During his coaching tenure, Del Oro football teams wracked up a record of 126 wins, 34 losses and 3 ties, along with 10 Sierra Foothill League championships and four CIF Sac-Joaquin Section championships. In 1993, the team was 13-0 for the season and named CIF Division II State Champions.He served as the school's athletic director for 12 years and as an assistant principal for four years.While Christiansen served as principal, he oversaw the building of many new facilities on campus including a new gym, performing arts center, culinary arts center and stadium. He also oversaw the expansion of the Advanced Placement program and supported an overall increased rigor in curriculum.Christiansen's wife, Claudia, has also retired, and the couple plans to travel to Europe and then take a trip to the East Coast to see the "fall colors." But first, they're preparing for the marriage of daughter Courtney in July.Christiansen said at some point he and his wife will determine if they'll choose second careers or volunteer locally."We talked about doing this (retiring after 30 years). We're in great health and we want to enjoy it," Christiansen said.Sophomore Kenneth Andersen called Christiansen a "good guy, nice," while senior Dustin Woods said the students would miss him."He should get a giant RV and travel the world," suggested senior Matt Davis.