New athletic directors get an introduction to CHSAA during meeting
AURORA — More than 70 new athletic directors from around the state participated in a meeting on Tuesday morning, which helped introduce them to CHSAA membership.
A major theme during the meeting was the importance of mentorship and relying upon other experience athletic directors as they navigate their first year, which can often feel like drinking from a firehose.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or seek advice from others,” Troy Baker, the athletic director at Buena Vista who is entering his second year as the president of CHSAA’s Board of Directors, told the new ADs. “You will soon discover that we are all in this together. There are no rivals among athletic directors.”
Said Rhonda Blanford-Green, CHSAA’s commissioner: “I want to stress how important mentorship is in your new role.”
Added LeRoy Lopez, the athletic director at Evergreen who is the president of the Colorado Athletic Directors Association (CADA): “We are here to support you.”
The group of new athletic directors heard presentations on game management, transfer and waivers, the CHSAA digital platform, coaches registration, as well as an “Athletic Director’s Survival Guide.”
Their education won’t end there, however. CADA has an established mentorship program where the new ADs are partnered with experienced ADs. And CHSAA has follow-up meetings for new athletic directors throughout the year.
CHSAA’s busy week will continue on Wednesday with the All-School Summit, where each member school will attend to receive vital updates and information from the administrative office.
