Photo by Troy Schroeder, Memories in Focus: Todd Constable (left) is pictured here with fellow girls track coaches Jon Koenig and Scott Timmerman. Constable will have quadruple bypass surgery later this week.

In tense moments of pressure or uncertainty, Todd Constable has been there to offer balance — even levity — at Fort Dodge Senior High when it often needs such perspective.

Now, the community is trying its best to let Constable know just how much his kind heart and Dodger loyalty have meant to them through decades of teaching and coaching at FDSH.

Constable had stubbornly been fighting warning signs of potential health problems for quite some time. A few days ago, he finally relented and went to the hospital thanks to the encouragement of concerned colleagues and family members.

That decision likely saved his life. Constable was admitted to and is still in the Intensive Care Unit at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge. He will undergo quadruple bypass surgery later this week in Des Moines.

“I’m feeling better,” Constable said via text on Friday. “I work with some amazing and supportive people. If not for our nurse, KC Williams, I’m not sure what would have happened.

“I also (want to thank) Corey Moody for driving me to the hospital, and (FDSH principal) Mrs. (Staci) Laird’s continuous support, as well as Mr. (Matt) Elsbecker, Mrs. (Emily) Klocke and Mr. (Josh) Porter. And Mr. (Scott) Timmerman and Mr. (Jon) Koenig, for taking care of the girls at state.”

This past week is one of Constable’s favorites. The long-time Fort Dodge Senior High head girls track and field coach was looking forward to seeing two of his athletes — senior Lainey Maehl and sophomore Mariah Myers — compete in the throwing events at the co-ed state meet in Des Moines.

The show went on without him, but it wasn’t the same, according to both Maehl and Myers.

“The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Coach Constable is his positivity,” said Maehl, who finished 17th in the shot put. “Just recently, when it was unsure whether I would make state or not, I prepared for the worst. Constable immediately said that I’d make it. He didn’t question it, and was completely confident in my throws of the night (at a qualifying meet).

“It was tough competing (on Friday at state) without that unwavering positivity and outgoing energy this week. He’s a person you always know is in your corner, just like I know the whole team and coaches are in his corner throughout his (upcoming) surgery and recovery.”

Myers, who placed third in the discus, admitted the experience felt incomplete without Constable’s presence.

“It was challenging (to compete in) this event, knowing my coach who has been excited about this all season couldn’t come,” Myers said. “It’s hard to find a coach who is as passionate as he is.

“I want to let him know I thought of him every time I entered the ring. I hope everything goes well with surgery, and he has a quick recovery.”

Constable has always been a fan favorite at FDSH for a slew of reasons. He likes to joke around, have fun and keep both the mood and the energy light.

He doesn’t do this at the expense of others, though. When push comes to shove, Constable cares. Deeply. He knows this health scare is no laughing matter, and so does his family, friends, colleagues and students.

Constable has spent his entire professional career and even personal life being there for anyone in moments of weakness or vulnerability. Now it’s time for us to return the favor.

Eric Pratt is Sports Editor at The Messenger. Contact him via email at sports@messengernews.net, or on Twitter @ByEricPratt