For nearly three decades, Randy Protz has been a constant presence in Vandalia Schools—first as a math teacher and football coach, then as an administrator, and soon, as a retiree reflecting on a lifetime of service.

Since arriving in 1994, he has taught generations of Vandals, watching former students grow into adults, parents, and even his own colleagues. But while his career in education has shaped countless lives, another passion has run parallel to his work in schools—one built on horsepower, reaction time, and the thrill of competition.

Randy is a drag racer. And racing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a family tradition that has been passed down for generations.

“I’ve been doing this for almost 40 years,” Randy said. “Every weekend, from April to October, we’re at the track.”

And now, his daughter, Brandy, has carried that love for racing forward, running the very same 1964 Chevelle wagon that Randy drove in high school.

“It’s something we’ve always shared,” Brandy said. “Not everybody gets to have something like that with their dad.”

Though Randy didn’t grow up in Vandalia, he built his career here, making an indelible mark on the community.

Originally from Sullivan, Illinois, he attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville before arriving at Vandalia High School as a math teacher and assistant football coach. After just one year, he stepped into the role of head coach, later moving into administration, where he has helped shape the school’s culture for over 30 years.

His approach to leadership has always been about guidance, not control.

“I don’t see myself as a leader,” he said. “I just show up, do my job, and help people when they need it.”

That humility, combined with a deep respect for his staff and students, has made him a beloved presence in the school.

Now, with retirement set for the 2025-26 school year, he’s beginning to reflect on the legacy he leaves behind.

“There are students I had years ago who now work here,” he said. “I’ve had parents and their kids come through these halls. You don’t always realize the impact you’ve had until years later.”

And while he looks forward to spending more time at the racetrack, there’s something about walking away from Vandalia Schools that won’t be easy.

“It’s home,” he said simply.

Outside of school, Randy’s second world begins at the starting line.

His 1974 Vega wagon runs a 5.4-second eighth-mile at 125 miles per hour, and he has spent decades fine-tuning his car for precision, speed, and consistency.

But perhaps his proudest achievement in racing isn’t his own success—it’s seeing Brandy continue the tradition.

“She’s just as into it as I am,” he said.

Brandy, now a physician assistant in Indiana, competes with the same Chevelle wagon Randy drove as a teenager. Her husband, Weston, has even joined the mix, purchasing his own 1978 Camaro to race alongside them.

In the winter, all three cars end up in Randy’s garage, where he works on them, prepping them for spring.

“Racing has always been something that keeps us connected,” Brandy said. “And I’m really grateful for that.”