• Article Photo. Chris Soules said Mr. Islas was one of his favorite teachers, but didn't remember his name.
    Chris Soules said Mr. Islas was one of his favorite teachers, but didn't remember his name.

Vinton-Shellsburg High School Assistant Principal Tony Islas is a former teacher of one of Iowa's more recent celebrities, Chris Soules from the ABC reality-TV show “The Bachelor.”

Islas recently ran into Soules at the Zach Johnson Golf Classic, and posed for a photo with him.

The teacher found the experience both humbling and humorous.

“ When I came into the Vinton-Shellsburg school district last year I stated that one of my 'claims to fame' was that I knew The Bachelor's Chris Soules.,” says Islas.  “Well, I think I said I was his former middle school P.E. teacher and wrestling coach.”

Then that day at the Johnson Classic Islas made it a point to find and see Chris and ask him if he remembered him. 

“He looked at me and said that he did, so I asked him, 'Then who am I?' He said I was his old wrestling coach but couldn't recall my name.” 

Islas reminded the celeb of his name.

“ He said, 'Yeah that's it. How are you doing and what are you up to now?'  We shared a very brief conversation before he had to shuttle off to golf.  I did state to him that I had to get a picture of him and me I together for my wife, after getting one of him and my son. He was gracious and obliged the request.” 

Then later, as Islas and his son were prepared to leave the event they happened to cross paths with Soules again. 

“He was busy signing autographs and taking pictures.  I said to him, 'Chris, I never told you what I was up to now.  I am the assistant principal at Vinton-Shellsburg high school."  

Immediately a woman behind Islas said, "I graduated from there!" and asked,"Are you the Associate Principal?"  

Islas replied, "Yes."  

Then Chris Soules chimed in and said, "He was one of my favorite teachers ever."  

Islas laughed as they walked away and described what happened when he and his son got home.

“The happy ending to this story was when we got home and my son said to my wife almost upon entry, "Yup, Dad knew Chris Soules. He said Dad was one of his favorite teachers ever."