INCLUDED IN THIS PACKET

*Qualifications*
*Philosophy*
*References*
*Words of Wisdom*

EVENTS HOSTED AS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL DUTIES

SMAC/Big 16 Conference Swim Meet

MHSAA Wrestling District
MHSAA Basketball District (Boys and Girls)
MHSAA Basketball Regional (Boys and Girls)
MHSAA Volleyball District
MHSAA Baseball/Softball Districts
MHSAA Golf District
MHSAA Soccer District (Boys and Girls)
Berrien County Cross Country Meets
Boys Basketball Holiday Tournaments
Lakeland Conference Wrestling Tournaments
Lakeland Conference Track Meets
Lakeland Conference Volleyball Tournaments
Lakeland Conference Cross Country Meets
Lakeland Conference Golf Match
Lakeland Conference Tennis (Boys and Girls)
Numerous school invitationals at various levels in:
Track, Cross Country, Wrestling, Volleyball,
Swimming, Tennis, Baseball and Softball

academic dishonesty, insubordination, cell phones,

technology violations, non-productive, lunch duty, etc.

21 Varsity Sports (includes sideline cheer and poms)

6 Middle School Sports
Over 600 roster spots are filled annually at the MS/HS level
Over 400 contests contracted annually at the MS/HS level
Over 350 officials contracted annually at the MS/HS level

Arbitersports (new MHSAA scheduling software)

Schedule-Star (scheduling software)
Skyward, Passport (student accounting/budget)
Microsoft Power Point, Word, Excel, Publisher
Powerschool
Sydex, Meet Manager (event software)
Macromedia Contribute Web Design
Email, Internet, Iphone

Active in the MHSAA

Helped form a new Athletic Conference
Chaired successful bond proposals
Oversee the day-to-day operations of
BPS Aquatic Center

Winning isn't everything,

but the will to win is.
Vince Lombardi

TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCIES

36 Conference Titles
2 Conference All-Sport Title
31 MHSAA District Championships
12 MHSAA Regional Championships
3 MHSAA State Runner-up
29 Academic All-State Teams
Numerous Individual Athlete & Coach
Honors

OTHER

50+ Coaches (Middle School and High School)

12 Members of the Aquatic Center Staff (2 full time)
Numerous Event Workers
Completed over 400 evaluations in the past 10 years

SPORT MANAGEMENT

9th Grade Orientation

Building representative in I.E.P.s
In charge of building in principals absence
Developed forms to streamline the
discipline process

ATHLETIC AWARDS (Bridgman)

STAFF SUPERVISION (currently)

Discipline drugs, alcohol, harassment, tardies,

BUDGET MANAGEMENT(currently)

$310,000 Annual Athletic Budget

$480,000 Recreational Millage Funds
$300,000+ Aquatic Center Budget
(from Recreational Millage Funds)

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Paul Hartsig
Bridgman Public Schools, High School Principal
9964 Gast Road, Bridgman, MI 49106
Cell: (269) 921-7951
Email: jphartsig@bridgmanschools.com

Shane Peters
Bridgman Public Schools, Superintendent
9964 Gast Road, Bridgman, MI 49106
Cell: (269) 216-1559
Email: speters@bridgmanschools.com

Kevin Ivers
Berrien RESA, Superintendent (Former Bridgman Superintendent)
3792 Madison, Bridgman, MI 49106
Work: (269) 466-0220 Cell: (269) 921-7952 Home: (269) 465-5948
Email: kivers@bridgmanschools.com

Mike Miller
Bridgman Public Schools, High School Teacher and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
4576 Donna Street, Bridgman, MI 49106
Work: (269) 466-0239 Home: (269) 465-4449
Email: mmiller@bridgmanschools.com

Tony Petkus
Comstock Park, Athletic Director/President O.K. Conference
Cell: (616) 430-4682
Email: tpetkus@cppschools.com

Fred Smith
Buchanan Schools, Athletic Director/MHSAA Representative Council Member
401 W. Chicago, Buchanan, MI 49107
Work: (269) 695-8404 Home: (269) 271-5736
Email: fjsmith@remc11.k12.mi.us

Jose Vera
Former River Valley High School Principal/Waldron Schools Superintendent
Cell: (616) 218-1780 Email: jvera@waldronschools.com

Amy Houghton
Bridgman Public Schools, High School Teacher and Varsity Girls Basketball Coach
9964 Gast Road, Bridgman, MI 49106
Work: (269) 466-0375 Cell: (269) 217-0535
Email: mmiller@bridgmanschools.com

Woody Woolery
Bridgman Public Schools, Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer Coach
4076 Glen Orchard Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Cell: (269) 235-4792
Email: wwoolrd@gmail.com

**ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**

IN GENERAL
I believe that interscholastic athletics are part of the total educational program. It is educational
for those who participate directly, but also for those who cannot be a team member. For those
who are members of the team, as well as student and community spectators, the following
educational goals can be achieved:
1) The student-athlete learns the value of teamwork, self-discipline, loyalty, time
management, hard work and personal sacrifice; all of which are necessary in a
democratic society. The student- athlete will learn that their contribution to the team is
more important than their personal goals or desires.
2) The student-athlete learns to be a good sport. Through participation in athletics, you
must develop emotional control, honesty and cooperativeness. You must learn to be
modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
3) The student-athlete learns, in a positive manor, to cope with the competitive nature of
our society. The student-athlete learns the value of success realizing that you will
succeed if you continually strive to do so.
There is so much to be learned from High School Athletics, I believe the most important statistic
we have is participation numbers. I want as many Grand Haven students to reap the benefits of
interscholastic athletics as is possible. The memories they will create, and the lessons they will
learn, they will take with them for the rest of their lives. Athletics create well rounded individuals
that are ready to compete in a global economy and competitive work environment after
graduation. At a very small percentage of the overall district budget in Grand Haven Schools,
Athletics is the best buy in education.

STUDENT-ATHLETES
The CODE FOR ATHLETES in the MHSAA Handbook is as follows:
1) Know and adhere to the athletic code of GHAPS.
2) Exceed all attendance and academic requirements as practical evidence of loyalty to
school and team and a proper philosophy of school-sponsored athletics.
3) Observe completely all policies regarding conduct, doing so as a duty to school, team
and self.
4) Counsel with athletic director over questions of eligibility.
5) Practice and play fairly, giving complete effort in all circumstances and credit in victory
to teammates and to opponents in defeat.
6) Accept favorable and unfavorable decisions, as well as victory and defeat, with equal
grace.
7) Demonstrate respect for opponents and of officials before, during and after contests.

STUDENT-ATHLETES-continued
Participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, not a right, and it can be revoked at
anytime for failure to meet school, league or state requirements.
Students should live up to the term student-athlete, always putting academics first.
Underachieving athletes should be counseled by myself and the head coach.
Finally, and most importantly, I believe student-athletes are role-models in our community and in
our schools. They must realize that and act accordingly. Athletes should be visible in the
community and the elementary schools.

COACHES
Coaches are part parent, part drill sergeant. They provide one of the most important links in the
evolutionary chain of dependency that is competitive sport.
Coaches are the backbone of any athletic program. The most important job as Athletic Director
is to hire good coaches; the next most important job is to evaluate coaches and help move them
from good to great.
Expectations of coaches can be broken down into the following areas:
Professional Expertise (knowledge of strategy, fundamentals, etc)
Personal Behavior (role models)
School Relationships (work with other coaches, support other programs)
Community/Parent/Booster Relationships
Professional Development
Communication (with student-athletes, parents, administrators, media, coaches and me)
The CODE FOR COACHES in the MHSAA Handbook is as follows:
The Coach is the official representative of the school at interscholastic athletic activities. In this
important capacity, these standards should be practiced:
1) Develop an understanding of the role of interscholastic athletics and communicate it to
players, parents and the public.
2) Develop an up-to-date knowledge of the rules, strategies, precautions, and skills of
the sport and communicate them to players and parents.
3) Develop, communicate and model policies for athletes conduct and language in the
locker room, at practice, during travel, during competition, and at other appropriate times.
4) Develop fair, unprejudiced relationships with all squad members.
5) Allow athletes to prove themselves anew each season and do not base team selection
on previous seasons or out-of-season activities.

COACHES-continued
6) Allow athletes time to develop skills and interests in other athletic and non-athletic
activities provided by the school and community groups.
7) Give the highest degree of attention to athletes physical well-being.
8) Teach players, by precept and example, respect for school authorities and contest
officials, providing support for them in cases of adverse decisions and refraining from
critical comments in public or to the media.
9) Teach players strict adherence to game rules and contest regulations.
10) Present privately, through proper school authorities, evidence of rule violations by
opponents; and counteract rumors and unproven allegations of questionable practices by
opponents.
11) Attend required meetings, keep abreast of MHSAA policies regarding the sport, and
be familiar with MHSAA eligibility and contest regulations.
12) Present a clean and professional image in terms of personal appearance and
provide a positive role model in terms of personal habits, language and conduct.
There must be a coaches handbook in place that outlines all coaching expectations. It should
minimally contain the information listed above, and much more specific information as it relates
to their assignments at GHAPS.
COACHES MEETINGS
There should be annual coaches meetings for all coaches (late spring). At this time student and
coaches handbooks should be reviewed, summer regulations reviewed, and any other
necessary business taken care of, including special dates for the following year (pictures, dead
period, etc).
Additionally, seasonal meetings should be held in advance of each sports season (Fall, Winter
and Spring). Middle and High School meetings would be separate.
COACHINGOTHER
Varsity Coaches are expected to oversee all levels of their program, including the Middle
School. The Athletic Directror stands ready to assist in any and all capacity, but to develop an
effective Varsity program, the Varsity Coach must have a presence at all levels. Staff decisions
will be made jointly, this includes hiring and evaluations.
Coaches need to grow professionally. It is the job of the AD to facilitate this growth and seek
appropriate professional development in conjunction with the evaluation process, and a
thorough budget review.

PARENTS
Effective communication with parents is vital. The Parent/Coach Communication Brochure is
vital to make sure appropriate chain of command is followed. Vital information will be
communicated through mailings and the website. Effective communication is parents biggest
concern. With established boundaries, this can be accomplished so all parties benefit.
Many parents are passionate about their student-athlete and their participation in GHAPS
Athletics. This can be channeled in a positive way, through helping at athletic events or with the
various booster groups.
As for sportsmanship in the stands, behavior that detracts from the athletes participating, and
takes the focus away from the game will not be tolerated. GHAPS athletes work very hard to
represent their school and community, and inappropriate parents/fans should not detract from
what they are accomplishing.

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
Boosters are an integral part of any Athletic Department, especially in todays economy and the
status of school funding. Athletic Boosters, under proper supervision, have the potential to
greatly impact the athletic experience of the student-athletes at GHAPS. It is
imperative that the Athletic Director is actively involved in all booster groups.
Reasonable goals for Athletic Booster groups are:
1) Produce, foster and promote the athletic program and school spirit at GHAPS.
2) Support the faculty and administration involved in the conduct of interscholastic
sports.
3) To raise funds for special equipment and programs deemed desirable by the Athletic
Director not specifically provided by the athletic budget. No part of any funds should go
toward the benefit of club members.

PUBLIC RELATIONS
When we do something well, it is imperative we let the community know what we are doing.
Athletics gets plenty of coverage in the local paper, but additionally, the Spotlight Newsletter and
the school website will be blasted with feel good stories, and stories that make the community
proud.
Banquets should be a culmination of a seasons worth of hard work and be a truly special event.
It is NOT the coaches job to coordinate these, it is something the AD should work with the
boosters to coordinate and make a special honor.
Finally, our athletes, as role models, should have a presence in the elementary schools. This is
truly a beneficial partnership for all parties.

TWITTER: @bridgmansports
FACEBOOK: Bridgman Public Schools
WEBSITE: www.bridgmanschools.com
Personally updated daily to keep the community informed of coming
events and/or schedule changes. Without a personal secretary, directing
parents to the website has become essential in streamlining the efficiency
of my department.

Communication is vital to being an effective administrator and having

an effective athletic department.
I utilize my webpage as the main way of communicating with the
Community, but I also utilize social media and the Powerschool Alert
System
More importantly, I believe all sports should conduct pre-season
meetings, with parents, to outline the season and expectations. I
also attend these meetings to communicate school rules and
policies. At Bridgman, we did these all on the same night for the
ease of parents, and called it Meet the Team Night. I could
address all athletes and parents at one time, then we would disperse
to team meetings. The most important thing is that we are
communicating with parents and student-athletes as much as
possible.
Parental support is vital to our athletic program. At Bridgman, I put
together a Parent/Coach Communication Brochure. This outlines
what is appropriate coach/parent interaction. Following these
procedures has alleviated numerous issues within our district.

Success
Success is in the way you walk the paths of life each day;
Its in the little things you do, and the things you say.
Success is not in getting rich, or rising high to fame.
Its not alone in winning goals, which all men hope to claim.
Success is being big of heart, and clean and broad in mind;
Its being faithful to your friends, and to the stranger, kind.
Its in the children whom you love, and all they learn from you.
Success depends on character and everything you do.
-Unknown

I CAN
DO
THINGS
THROUGH

CHRIST
WHO

Strengthens

There's a wide-eyed little fellow

who believes you're always right,
and his eyes are always opened,
and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example
every day in all you do
so you should be aware that,
he will grow up to be like you!
Author unknown.

.rovaedne fo dle

He believes in you devoutly,

holds all you say and do;
He will say and do in your way
when he's all grown up like you.

idrabmoL ecniV-

You're the little fellow's idol,

you're the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.

nesohc rieht fo sseldrager ,ecnellecxe

There are little hands all eager

to do anything you do;
and a little boy who's dreaming
of the day he'll be like you.

ot tnemtimmoc rieht ot noitroporp

There are little eyes upon you

and they're watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

tcerid ni si efil s'nosrep a fo ytilauq ehT

Little Eyes Upon You.

ME.

Its not the will to win, but the will to prepare to

win that makes the difference.
-Paul Bear

Winning isn't everything, but the will to win is.

Vince Lombardi
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase
perfection we can catch excellence.
Vince Lombardi
Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything
requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work,
determination, and dedication. Remember all things
are possible for those who believe. Gail Devers