A Day of Leadership Lessons with CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger

As a high school student leader, I always seek opportunities to learn and grow. When I was offered the chance to shadow CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger for a day, I knew it would be an invaluable experience. Little did I know just how many leadership lessons I would absorb in such a short time. From professional communication to the challenges of running a large organization, the day provided insights that will undoubtedly shape my own leadership journey.

From the moment I met Commissioner Krueger, his welcoming, humble demeanor set the tone for the day. Observing his morning meeting with his executive assistant, I learned the importance of setting clear goals, staying connected with your team, and being actively involved in the work you oversee. Commissioner Krueger’s dedication to attending CHSAA events, even on weekends, demonstrated the power of leading by example.

Touring the CHSAA office, I saw firsthand the positive, supportive work environment Commissioner Krueger has cultivated. His leadership style fosters a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels valued and invested in their work. Throughout the day, whether in meetings or one-on-one conversations, Commissioner Krueger modeled the art of professional communication – humble, appreciative, direct and informational.

One of the most eye-opening lessons came from learning how CHSAA operates. Commissioner Krueger dispelled the common misconception that he and the associate and assistant commissioners unilaterally make the rules, explaining the role of the legislative council. This insight showed the challenges of leading a large organization and the importance of understanding and communicating the complex realities behind decision-making.

Witnessing Commissioner Krueger’s decision-making process on issues like student waivers to play sports, I learned the importance of carefully considering multiple perspectives, relying on established regulations, and striving for fairness even in complex situations.

Perhaps the most inspiring part of the day was discussing with Commissioner Krueger how CHSAA can better support students. His genuine willingness to listen and implement suggestions, such as having CHSAA State Representatives speak at legislative council meetings and increasing student involvement in decision-making, showed me the power of a leader who values and seeks out diverse perspectives.

My day with Commissioner Krueger was not just a shadowing experience, but a masterclass in leadership. The lessons I learned – the importance of leading by example, fostering a positive team environment, modeling effective communication, navigating complex decision-making, and being open to input – will undoubtedly shape my own leadership style as I move forward in my journey. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope future student leaders have the same chance to learn from CHSAA’s leadership.

Bryce Davis, a senior at Central High School in Grand Junction, is currently in his third year as a State Representative and second year as the President of the CHSAA State Representatives. In this role, Bryce has worked diligently to reengage student leaders from across Colorado, encouraging them to attend and participate in the CHSAA Summer Camps and CHSAA Leadership Conferences. He has also sought to collaborate with other leadership organizations throughout the state, aiming to support their missions while furthering the goals of the CHSAA State Representatives. Bryce sees his position as an opportunity to advocate for the needs and interests of high school students and leaders across Colorado, striving to ensure that their perspectives are considered in the decision-making process. Through his efforts, Bryce hopes to make a positive difference in the lives of his peers and contribute to the growth and development of student leadership across Colorado.

For students interested in being a part of the CHSAA State Representatives, the application for next year is now open and will close April 12 at 5 p.m. The CHSAA State Representatives serve as a statewide student council dedicated to fostering leadership development and community service across Colorado’s high schools. Learn more about the state reps on Instagram.