For many people, their high school years are a distant memory — something to look back on.

For Steve McDowell, the district athletic director for Gilbert Public Schools, those memories aren't just fond, they are the foundation of his professional life.

From 1980 to 1984, McDowell was a standout football player at Gilbert High School, a member of the 1981 team that fought its way to a state championship game appearance.

Today, the lessons he learned on that football field guide his decisions as the district athletic director, shaping the lives of student-athletes across Gilbert Public Schools.

McDowell's personal experiences as a student-athlete at Gilbert High School give him a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs today's student-athletes face. He understands the sacrifice

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