Mr. Uppena has been a huge asset to Potosi High School. From being an agriculture teacher and JV basketball coach, to Potosi’s school principal, head varsity basketball coach, and assistant coach for the varsity football team. Mr. Uppena has not only been involved with most aspects of the school, but he has also kept his passion for the things he cares about.
Due to his grandpa and uncle owning farms, Mr. Uppena has a strong understanding of the agricultural world. Growing up, he helped out year-round on his family’s farms, milking cows in the winter and working with tractors and doing other fieldwork during the summer. These early experiences sparked his lifelong connection to agriculture.
While completing his Animal Science degree at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, Mr. Uppena discovered a passion for teaching through helping at basketball camps. This experience made him realize that he loved teaching and mentoring students, not just coaching.
In the fall of 1995, Brad Bierman called Mr. Uppena to ask him to coach the Potosi JV boys basketball team. He accepted, beginning his long coaching journey at Potosi High School even before graduating from college. A year later, in 1996, he accepted another job with the Potosi JV football team after graduating from UW-Platteville with a degree in animal science.
Later, in 1998, he accepted his position as Potosi High School’s agriculture teacher and driver’s education teacher. He still teaches driver’s ed., but since taking the principal role in 2014, he no longer teaches agriculture classes.
Being reminded of Animal Science classes always brings back fond memories of his years as an agriculture teacher, reminding him of the passion that first inspired his career. Even though Mr. Uppena is no longer the animal science teacher, he remains grateful for how far he’s come and holds great admiration for Mrs. Brunton, the current agriculture teacher, praising the “incredible” job she has done in continuing the AG program here at Potosi after he became principal.
One of his most memorable experiences was competing in the national judging contest in 2001 with his students: Al Reynolds, Steve Majerus, Mike Bailie, and Issac Marcus. This milestone was a true reflection of both his students’ and his own hard work and passion, and it remains something he is very proud of.
Today, Mr Uppena is still involved in FFA by helping coach high school students in soil judging. He spends most of his time here at the school, whether that's popping into classes to check on students, or in the gym coaching our Potosi boys basketball team; he is very involved here at Potosi. Mr. Uppena has donated so much time and energy to our school during and after school hours, giving our school that supportive and welcoming aspect.