North Hills Middle School gym dedicated to Woody Woodburn

PITTSBURGH -- The original gymnasium at the North Hills Middle School now bears the name of beloved teacher, coach and mentor Morrow "Woody" Woodburn.

Woodburn was a sixth-grade teacher at West View Elementary School and taught in the district for 40 years. He was also the ninth-grade boys’ basketball coach for 32 years and the Master of Ceremonies and Supporter of the North Hills Band Festival for numerous years.

Woodburn was that teacher every student wanted to have and that coach every student-athlete wanted to play for.

“Woody was a man of impeccable character with a reputation to match,” North Hills School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino said during a dedication ceremony Monday outside “The Dungeon.”

“His golden rule was to ‘Always leave a place better than you found it,’” Dr. Mannarino continued. “He led by example. He taught the students manners, respect, work ethic, acceptance and pride in their school. Kids wanted to be better because it was the right thing to do.”

Woodburn began his teaching career at North Hills in 1967. He was known for his one-of-a-kind sayings like “No Mess,” “Check the bag” and “No shooting the breeze!” Some of those quotes are now displayed on the wall outside of the gymnasium.

Woodburn was inducted into the North Hills Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. He passed away last December.

Watch the full dedication ceremony video.