Show up at a tennis tournament, and you're likely to run into John Haefeli. Take in a baseball game -- Haefeli will be there. A leisurely jog? Yep, Haefeli has burned up his share of trails.

Haefeli, a graduate of University High, Colorado State University/University of Northern Colorado, is known to be overbearing at times, has no enemies and enough respect to last him a lifetime.

SAMUEL G. MUSTARI: It's obvious that your cup has runneth over with health. Share your age, please.

JOHN HAEFELI: Well, I'm 50. I have been recruited by AARP, but they haven't come up the right package for me yet.

SGM: Honestly, what's your secret to good health?

JH: I'm in the gym a lot, and I chase my wife -- Darling Delia -- all over the United States.

SGM: Well, you're obviously in good shape, but the truth is, you're not Adonis.

JH: No. I don't have those kind of muscles. Some people say I don't have any. I'm pretty active six days a week.

SGM: What's on the agenda on the seventh day? Couch potato?

JH: Trying to figure out how to go outside and be active.

SGM: Sounds sort of boring. We're going to have to spice up this interview. Obvious question -- when did your hair start falling out? Your dome has a hard shine.

JH: I started losing my hair at age 18. I BIC my head every other night. My baldness is from a recessive gene on my mother's side of the family.

SGM: Please. You actually researched that?

JH: No. I paid attention in biology class. You know, one of my fondest memories of my youth was combing my bangs.

SGM: A visual of that seems humorous. Style your bangs, did you?

JH: No, not at all. I covered up eight feet of forehead.

SGM: Not many people know that you played baseball at Colorado State University. Were you like every other kid, hoping to be a Major League Baseball player?

JH: Sure. I saw myself as Manny Sanguillen. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

SGM: I know who Sanguillen is Haefeli.

JH: Did you know that Andy Etchabaren is a great uncle of Mike Sage's?

SGM: Well, I remember Etchabaren on the 1966 Baltimore Orioles World Series title team. And Sage own's GoJo. Now I know they're related. Let's get back to me asking the questions. When did your big league dreams vanish?

JH: When you hit in the 9-hole, you have problems going to The Show.

SGM: What inspired your teaching career? I'm preparing for an answer with hypothesis. Go ahead.

JH: I scouted for the Cubs and the Astros and learned that being a baseball scout didn't pay much. I always have liked to analyze movement, so I figured I'd enjoy teaching.

SGM: You totally lost me because you're a history teacher at Greeley West. Haefeli, I figure your favorite book growing up was an Encyclopedia.

JH: Almost. It was the dictionary. All other books in the world are in there.

SGM: There you go again, putting way too much thought into what should be a simple answer. Were you a history buff growing up?

JH: Not really. I love to read. If you can read, write, think and get along with others, you'll succeed.

SGM: Let's see. I'd like to think I have a touch of talent in all four areas.

JH: Yeah, you do Sam. You've got it all going on.

SGM: Now we're talking. That's the best answer you've had. I like it.

Samuel G. Mustari covers sports for the Tribune. Reach him at (970) 392-4437 or via email atsmustari@greeleytribune.com