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Retiring football coach Bob Wolfe did a lot of great things for Apex High School on the gridiron.

In his 18 seasons at the helm, Wolfe took a perennial losing program and turned it into a consistent winner.

Yet, ask anyone associated with the program about the veteran coach and they are most likely going to tell you about all the wonderful things he did far from the Friday night lights.

A retirement celebration will be held for Wolfe on Saturday, March 17 from 2-5 p.m. at Peak United Methodist Church in Apex. A special presentation that includes a series of tributes and trip down memory lane will be held at 3 p.m.

There is no charge for the event and no RSVP is required.

The celebration is being organized by Apex Football Mom Sheryl Pollard, who had two sons play for Wolfe in the early 2000s.

Pollard, like so many others who have known Wolfe through the years, was more impressed with his positive influence on players than by his success as a coach.

“He always went above and beyond to help the kids,” said Pollard. “I worked with him for 14 of his 18 years and saw what a wonderful influence he was on the kids. I saw things a lot of other people didn’t see.

“If a player couldn’t afford shoes he would buy them. He is also a very spiritual person who would pray for his players. Coach Wolfe has touched so many lives through the years that I felt it was important to have a celebration to honor him.’

When Pollard began reaching out to other Football Moms for help the support was immediate.

“So many people have wanted to help,” said Pollard. “It’s not just me doing all of this. I’ve had so many Football Moms get involved and I think that shows how much people think of Coach Wolfe.”

Many formers players have told Pollard they plan on attending the event. Some are even bringing their families so they can meet the retiring coach.

“The response from former players has been wonderful,” said Pollard. “Some of the kids are still in college and they plan to use part of their spring break to come home for this event. Others are older with families and they are coming back to the area because they want to be part of this.

“I knew how people felt about Coach Wolfe and I thought they would want an opportunity to see him again. (The positive response) has only reinforced what I knew about him.”