Bill McCaa
Through his roles as teacher, coach, dean, assistant principal and principal at Columbus North High School, Bill McCaa was universally liked and respected.
McCaa died Sunday at the age of 76. He left a legacy as someone who cared deeply about his students, players, teachers and staff.
“He was a terrific guy,” former North football coach Steve Gobert said. “I thought a lot of Bill. I used to coach wrestling at the same time, and we had a lot of guys that did both football and wrestling at the time, and when they would call me, they would say, ‘How is coach McCaa,’ and they would follow up with, ‘I thought a lot of him.’”
Gobert served as an assistant football coach under McCaa from 1974-88. Gobert then took over as head coach in 1989 when McCaa became dean of students and assistant principal.
“He was my mentor, a person I looked up to as a young coach,” Gobert said. “I learned a lot from Bill. He was very fiery. He had a passion for the game, and he was great in understanding kids. He was one that if a kid was going to work and everything, he would go to bat for them to the Nth degree.”
That was the case with his staff, as well. Hedy George, who was assistant athletics director from 1980-98 and athletics director from 1998-2008, said that not only did McCaa make his presence felt by attending athletic events and lots other events, he was supportive of the Bull Dog Booster Club and he backed the club all the way when it was seeking approval for the fitness facility, which opened in 2003 without any tax money.
“I believe Bill loved North High School and was very loyal to it in every way,” George said. “I considered him by true blue Bull Dog. He served in a variety of roles, and Bill had a big presence at school. You knew when he walked into a room, he was there to help. He was very supportive of me when I became athletic director.”
McCaa served as North’s principal from 1993-2003.
“He was the type of principal that you felt like you could go to and talk to,” Gobert said. “Most of the teachers at Columbus North were comfortable walking into his office and sitting down and talking about any concerns they might have.”
After Gobert stepped down following the 1999 season, McCaa hired Tim Bless, who had been the football coach at Paoli the previous two seasons. Bless is going into his 23rd year as the Bull Dogs head football coach.
“I have the utmost respect for coach McCaa,” Bless said. “He was a great principal to work with and supported athletics. He and the athletic director at the time, Hedy George, were instrumental in building the athletic program and facility upgrades and being good people to work with.”
A Louisiana native, McCaa played football at Indiana University. He was the coach at North for 18 years.
“His support was so valuable,” Bless said. “Having been a former head coach, he understood the pressure of the job. His presence was so valuable for a young head coach.”
McCaa had been married to Kathy, who survives. They have two daughters, Karen, a 1989 Indiana All-Star in basketball and former North assistant football and girls basketball coach, and Amy, along with a son-in-law David and granddaughter Abby.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. A live stream of the funeral service may be viewed at the church website http://stpeterscolumbus.org/
Family and friends may gather for visitation on Friday from 4-6 p.m. at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and also on Saturday from 10 a.m. till time of service at the church. The family also asks that everyone please wear a mask if planning to attend.
In memory of Mr. McCaa memorial contributions may be given through the funeral home to the Columbus North High School Athletic Department or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the McCaa family and a video tribute viewed at www.barkesweaverglick.com.
