North Central HS rooting for athletic director hospitalized with COVID-19

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The athletic director at North Central High School is in a fight for his life after contracting the coronavirus.

Students and even rival schools have reached out with support to Paul Loggan.

“Being with each other and know we have the support of the community behind us gives us that will to keep going,” said Paul’s son, Michael.

Paul Loggan has been a part of Washington Township Schools for more than 30 years.

Not even his family is allowed by his side at St. Vincent Hospital, as part of the precautions the hospital is taking. Loggan is heavily sedated and on a ventilator.

The prayers and support from the Washington Township community mean everything to Michael and the rest of the family.

“We’re sitting by a phone 24/7, just waiting for it to ring,” said Michael.

It’s a wait that has been going on for days for the Loggan family.

Michael graduated from North Central in 2014. His younger brother is also a North Central graduate, and his sister is part of the class of 2020.

The medical team usually calls twice with update: once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

After a roller coaster of sickness last week, Paul went to the hospital on Wednesday when he was having trouble breathing.

“Every day is a battle. We’ll have our good hours and we’ll have our bad hours,” said Michael.

As word spread, the support began pouring in, including a video compilation nearly six minutes long from senior athletes wishing him the best, sent to a man who tried not to miss a minute of their matches or meets, who is now in his own struggle.

Few would know better than Michael.

“North Central is just his life. That whole community, Washington Township would do absolutely anything for him. They are repaying the favor by sending all the prayers and having our back right now,” Michael said.

North Central teacher and coach Mark Haste has known Paul Loggan almost 40 years.

“He always puts himself behind everybody else,” Haste said.

The support from kids is no surprise to him, for as many years as Paul Loggan has put kids first.

“You know that people touch other people, but times like this, you actually see and get a chance to get a glimpse of what that impact has been like,” Haste said.

It’s a battle that’s come out of nowhere for Paul Loggan.

Michael’s message to everyone under the governor’s orders is “Stay at home. Do your part. You don’t think that it will happen to you, but you don’t know.”

“He’s a big softie for us, but he’s the toughest guy I know. He’s fighting for us and we’re fighting for him,” Michael said.

So while they may be apart, but Paul’s not alone, judging by all the messages and tweets with #PaulStrong.

“We just thank you as the Loggan family. It means the absolute most to us,” Michael said.

Everyone agrees Paul Loggan is a fighter, not a quitter, so they are hopeful for a full recovery.