EPISODE #11 … First Year ADs: Brittny Jones, Pebblebrook (GA) HS; Amanda Pittman, South Cobb (GA) HS; Ryan Dyer, North Paulding (GA) HS

Beginner, Apprentice, Learner. All of these are words used to describe “the Rookie.” Today we have a special treat for you as we sit down with three first year AD’s and get their thoughts on the ups, downs, and unexpected turns that make up the first-year athletic administrator experience. Amanda Pittman of South Cobb High School, Brittny Jones of Pebblebrook High School, and Ryan Dyer of North Paulding High School, all in GA have just concluded their first year as the athletic director at their respective schools and like us all… felt as if they were drinking from a fire hose most of that time. With lessons learned and experience gained they look forward to year two and growing in the profession along the way. Let’s settle in and get to know our first year AD panel.  

1:17- Introduction
 3:59- One Main Thing You Didn’t Know
 8:00- Preparing to be an Athletic Director: What Would You Do Differently?
 13:29- Managing the Overlap of Sports’ Season
 19:08- Amanda: Attending the National AD Conference
 21:05- Ryan: Leading a Book Study and Coaches Clinic with Your Staff
 22:39- Brittny: Her Life’s Work at Pebblebrook
 25:35- Define First Year Athletic Director
 28:26- Bragging on Your Program
 32:37- Lessons Learned During Covid19
 36:45- Being Present for Everything as the AD
 44:42- Balance of Life as the AD
 53:20- Struggles of the First Year AD
 57:28- Grading Your First Year
 59:04- What Have You Learned about Yourself in Year 1?
 1:02:18- 2-Minute Drill
 
Book Mentions: You Win In the Locker Room First by Jon Gordon & Mike Smith                                              Atomic Habits by James Clear

You can follow the First Year ADs on Twitter:  Brittny Jones @bjones1105 ;                                         Amanda Pittman @SouthCobbAD ;  Ryan Dyer @NorthAD_Dyer

About Hangin With The AD Podcast….

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.          

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. @CCSD_AD (twitter & instagram)

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA. @mathews14 (twitter) @jwmathews14 (instagram)

EPISODE #10 … Carter Wilson, retired Decatur HS AD

Today’s guest is Carter Wilson. Mr. Wilson’s career spanned 38 years and saw him make stops at both the high school and collegiate levels. Carter assisted in the development of a successful Division I basketball program at Georgia State University from 1985 until he was named Head Basketball Coach at Georgia State in March of 1993 where he led the Panthers through June of 1997. Arguably Carter’s greatest work occurred while he served as Athletics Director and instructor for the City Schools of Decatur from 1999 until his retirement in 2017. A 2018 inductee of the Georgia Athletic Director’s Hall of Fame, Carter Wilson’s commitment to the idea that athletic endeavors build character has certainly been evident not only in his own life but also in the lives of those fortunate to find themselves within his sphere of influence which thankfully after today includes us all. I hope you have something to write with and on because this conversation was truly special. Let’s settle in..and get to know…Mr. Carter Wilson.

1:32- Introduction
 9:05- Vision as a Leader
 10:15- Implementing John Maxwell’s Top 3 Leadership Qualities into your Athletic Dept.
 14:17- What is Coaching?
 18:48- Michael Jordan’s-The price to winning and leadership
 23:12- Coach Wilson’s Leadership Pedigree
 28:07- Understanding MLK’s idea of servant leadership
 31:00- Coach Wilson’s contribution to the NIAAA’s Guide to Athletic Administration
 38:39- The ADs involvement in building projects
 41:21- Importance of having an Athletic Master Plan
 43:23-Things to put on your radar as an Aspiring AD
 49:25- Dealing with the ‘Politics’ of being an AD
 52:36- The Ultimate Success Story…Lanard Copeland
 1:00:20- 2-Minute Drill
 1:05:25- Thoughts on Improving Race Relations in our Society

Book Mentions: NIAAA’s Guide to Athletic Administration
                           Leadership Fitness, Dr. Homer Rice 

You can follow Carter Wilson on social media--Twitter: @bigdubster 

About Hangin With The AD Podcast….

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.          

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. @CCSD_AD (twitter & instagram)

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA. @mathews14 (twitter) @jwmathews14 (instagram)

EPISODE #9 … Kevin Petroski, Athens Academy

Today’s guest is Mr. Kevin Petroski. Kevin serves as the athletic director at Athens Academy in Athens, GA. A veteran athletic administrator who was recently named the state athletic director of the year by the Georgia Athletic Director’s Association, Kevin values the importance of maximizing the student-athlete experience both on and off the field. A trusted resource for his peers, Kevin enjoys collaborating with others in the industry to share ideas and concepts to better not just his program but high school athletics as a whole. Let’s jump in and get to know Mr. Kevin Petroski.  

1:08- Introduction
 4:11- Helping the High School Leaders 
 6:49- An Illustrious Cornhole Career
 10:40- GADA State AD of the Year, Who helped Kevin get there?
 13:35- Using Social Media Graphics to Promote Your Brand
 17:28- Spartan of the Week
 20:19- Planning for Facility Improvements
 25:38- Challenges you face as AD
 29:50- Situations that have Defined Kevin as the AD
 31:44- Best Part of the Role as AD
 34:06- How will the Role of AD change over the next decade
 36:41- Evaluating your Staff in Thirds: The Good, The Better, The Best
 38:45- Tools & Resources for the Athletic Administrator
 42:35- Evaluating your Athletic Program
 44:10- Preseason Quiz for Coaches 
 48:15- The Value of having Hobbies as an AD
 51:34- 2-Minute Drill

You can follow Athens Academy Athletics and Kevin Petroski on social media--Twitter: @SpartanAthletic 

Find more about Mr. Kevin Petroski and Athens Academy Athletics at: www.athensacademy.org/programs/athletics 

About Hangin With The AD Podcast….

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.          

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. @CCSD_AD (twitter & instagram)

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA. @mathews14 (twitter) @jwmathews14 (instagram)

EPISODE # 8 ...Coach Bill Curry

Today’s guest is legendary player, coach, and leader Bill Curry. If you don’t have something to write with or on now stop the podcast and take care of that because this one is special! Josh and I had the honor of listening and learning from Coach Curry who was so very generous with his time. A member of the legendary Green Bay Packers coached by Vince Lombardi and the Baltimore Colts coached by Don Shula. Coach Curry then went on to be the Head Football Coach at Ga. Tech, Kentucky, Alabama and Ga. State. An ACC Coach of the Year and 2x SEC Coach of the year. Coach Curry has been named the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year and in 2007 was recognized as the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award winner. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and moved as we settle in and get to know Coach Bill Curry. 

1:21- Introduction

4:04- Coach Curry’s High School Days

6:29- The ‘Straightforward, Honest’ Coach

7:52- Investing in the Younger Generation… ‘Magnanimitas’-Greatness of Spirit

10:45- Being Loved & Coached by Coach Bobby Dodd

14:18- Working for a great Athletic Administrator, Dr. Homer Rice

17:56- Who Equipped Bill Curry for a Lifetime of Success

21:18- Teaching Teams to Work Together as ‘Brothers and Sisters’ (Andrew Young)

25:00- Importance of Reading, Prioritizing Your Life while Coaching

27:39- Where did Coach Curry find Advice & Answers to his Players Issues

31:30- Taking Personal Responsibility for Societal Issues

34:59- Being Proud of a Full Resume after a Life in Coaching

37:07- 2 Minute Drill

43:51- “The Huddle” …written & narrated by Coach Bill Curry

You can follow Coach Bill Curry on Twitter @CoachBillCurry

About Hangin With The AD Podcast….

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.          

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. @CCSD_AD (twitter & instagram)

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA. @mathews14 (twitter) @jwmathews14 (instagram)

EPISODE # 7 ...Dr. Curt Miller

Dr. Curt Miller accepted the position of Athletics Director and Assistant Principal at Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, GA late in the spring of 2020.

Today’s guest Dr. Curt Miller serves as the Director of Athletics for the Henry County School District in Georgia. Curt is a coach’s kid who has been surrounded by athletics his whole life and it is in these experiences that he has been led to his current position. Curt has a passion for professional development and growing through networking with others in the industry. From a coach to a local school AD and now working at the district level Curt has learned something different along each step of the way that he is ready to discuss with us today. Let get started with or conversation with Dr. Curt Miller.

1:37- Advantages of having a Former AD as your Principal
 2:52- A New Approach as a Local School Ad after being a District AD
 5:38- Supporting a First Year Principal from the Role of AD
 7:21- Things that Should be on the Radar of a Brand-New Athletic Director
 9:55- The Importance of Connecting with your New Staff 
 14:08- Tips to Navigate the AD Interview Process
 19:56- Introduction
 23:40- Professional Development for Athletic Directors and Coaches through Aspiring AD and Head Coach Cohorts
 29:04- Being ‘Over-Prepared’
 31:40- Importance of Athletic Directors being involved with State (GADA) and National (NIAAA) Associations and the State Athletic Associations (GHSA)
 36:53- Intentionally Improving the Performance of your team/staff members
 39:57- A Father’s Legacy of Coaching and Leadership passed down to his Son (initial reference at 9:50)
 44:22- What a Paperless Athletic Office looks like.
 46:31- 2-Minute Drill

You can follow Dr. Curt Miller on twitter @Curt_Miller30 or @HCAthletics_HCSor @OCHS_Athletics

About Hangin With The AD Podcast….

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.          

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. @CCSD_AD (twitter & instagram)

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA. @mathews14 (twitter) @jwmathews14 (instagram)

SPECIAL EPISODE … BJ Pilling, Executive Vice President of GoFan Ticketing

0:40- History of GoFan & Huddle Tickets
2:10- What does a relationship between a high school & GoFan look like?
3:06- Trend of Universities moving to ‘Contact-less’ payments related to high school events
4:21- Removing Cash from Events… ‘Cashless’ High School Events
               1) Season Ticketing/Sports Passes
               2) Presale during Game Week
               3) At-Venue Ticketing Component—QR Code, GoFan Box Office, ‘Contact-less’ Cards/Mobile Payments
6:43- The number of schools moving to cashless ticketing.
7:40- What should the high school AD look for when considering going cashless?
8:32- How Covid19 changed the conversation of between ADs and ticket companies.
9:52- Recap the 3 ways to buy tickets digitally using GoFan
10:53- Expectations of Fans going forward regarding ticketing at events
11:09- Feedback from GoFan spring webinars
               Archive webinars can be found at: https://www.huddletickets.com/ 
12:40- What will the high school event ticketing experience look like in 10 years?

 About Hangin With The AD Podcast….

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.          

We hope you enjoy the time we spend with these special guests.  Please leave us a review or rating to help us know how you were benefited from this podcast or how we can improve it.  Thank you for listening.  And until next time, thank you for spending your time, Hangin with the AD.         

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. @CCSD_AD (twitter & instagram)

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA. @mathews14 (twitter) @jwmathews14 (instagram)

EPISODE #6 … Tommy Marshall

Today’s guest is Tommy Marshall. Tommy serves as the Director of Athletics at the Marist School in Atlanta, Ga. A two-time President of the Georgia Athletic Director’s Association and a 2015 GADA Hall of Fame inductee, Marshall was also elected by the national membership to serve as an at-large member on the Board of Directors for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). 

Coach Marshall has been in athletic administration for over 30 years and his impact on Marist can be found in the numerous sportsmanship awards and state titles that are displayed on the walls and trophy cases throughout the school’s Centennial Assembly Center. Sports Illustrated named Marist the 15th ranked high school athletic program in America, and Marist was awarded the GADA Directors Cup for Best Overall Athletic Program for 16 consecutive years, all under Marshall’s leadership. 

Before becoming athletic director at Marist, Marshall coached football, basketball, baseball, tennis and wrestling at the high school and college levels. As the head football coach at Walton High School, he was named Cobb County Coach-of-the-Year for three consecutive years and was a part of championship football teams at both Furman University as well as Marist. I hope you enjoy our time with Mr. Tommy Marshall. 

 1:37- Introduction
3:26- The Uniqueness of a Being a Leader at the Marist School
4:23- Attending & Participating in Practices as the AD
6:29- Being Involved with the NIAAA and GADA (state AD association)
7:54- Knowing Their Names-Athletes and Coaches
9:38- Teaching Your Student Spectators the Expectations for Sporting Events
              -What does it look like to sit amongst our fans at games?
12:38- Coaches/Staff Meetings
15:10- Leading a ‘Family’ Athletic Community
17:30- Support Staff & Delegating for the Athletic Administrator
20:34- The Marist Blue & Gold Circle- Recognizing Key Contributors to your Athletic Program
22:10- Developing an Athletic Handbook
26:00- Expanding Your Programs’ Exposure using Pixellot & NFHS Network
              Public Address Announcer Guidelines & Code of Conduct
30:54- Importance of a Leader Having a Personal Mission Statement
32:20- The Incredible Value of a Supportive Spouse 
34:29- 2-Minute Drill

 You can follow Marist Athletics and Tommy Marshall on social media--Twitter: @MaristBooster 

Find more about Mr. Tommy Marshall and the Marist School Athletics at: https://www.marist.com/athletics/war-eagle-athletics

About Hangin With The AD Podcast….

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.          

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. @CCSD_AD (twitter & instagram)

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA. @mathews14 (twitter) @jwmathews14 (instagram)

SPECIAL EPISODE … Dr. Robin Hines, GHSA Executive Director

0:33- How ADs could be preparing to Return to Athletics

2:28- A Measured Return to Athletics-What will it Look Like?

5:38- Who the GHSA is consulting with for COVID19 information.

9:10- Enrollment Requirements to be eligible to participate in GHSA Athletics

10:17- GHSA Oversight During the Summer of 2020

12:01- Changes to the GHSA Pre-Participation Physical Exam Policy for the 2020 Summer

15:30- The State of Athletic Leadership Moving into the next Decade

About Hangin With The AD Podcast….

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.          

We hope you enjoy the time we spend with these special guests.  Please leave us a review or rating to help us know how you were benefited from this podcast or how we can improve it.  Thank you for listening.  And until next time, thank you for spending your time, Hangin with the AD.         

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. He attended Valdosta State University receiving a degree in Secondary Education in 2000. He earned a Master of Educational Leadership from Jacksonville State University in 2005 followed by a Specialist in Educational Leadership from The University of West Georgia in 2018. Don was an assistant coach at Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Ga. where he was a member of the 1998 state championship football coaching staff following a playing career at Valdosta High School where he was a member of the 1992 state and national football championship team and where he also served as a defensive captain on the school’s 1995 state runner-up team. Following his time in Valdosta, Don served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and athletic director at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Kennesaw, Ga. from 2000-2019. Don was named the Region 3-7A Athletic Director of the Year in 2017 and was named the Cobb County Athletic Director of the year for the 2018-19 school year. He is a member of the Georgia Athletic Director’s Association (GADA) and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and has served as a speaker at the GADA conference.

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA (East Cobb) since July 2012.  He attended Shorter College, where he played baseball from 1997-2001 receiving a degree in middle grade education.  In 2007, Josh received his master’s in educational leadership from Jacksonville State University.  Started his career coaching in 2001 at Centennial High School (Roswell, GA) before moving to Lassiter High School (Marietta, GA) in 2005.  He was a part of state championship coaching staffs in 2006 (baseball) and 2007 (softball).  Since becoming AD at Pope, the Greyhounds have won several region and state championships and achieved two GADA Regions Bank Directors Cup Awards, recognizing the top athletic programs in the state.  Josh has been an active member of the GADA and NIAAA since becoming AD in 2012.  He regularly attends the state and national conventions and received his Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) certification in 2016.  Finally, Josh was

Episode # 5  … Jared Benko

Today’s guest is Jared Benko. Jared serves as the Director of Athletics at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga. A forward thinker who has come back to his native state Jared shared some great insight with us about the power of relationships, being a critically thinking leader and harnessing all the resources around you to best market your product to the masses. Let’s jump in and get to know Mr. Jared Benko.

0:54 - Introduction

4:13 - Getting Settled in Statesboro

6:38 - The Concept of Character through Attitude to your Staff

8:07 - 3 Guiding Principles:  Be Humble, Serve Others, Always Tell the Truth

9:17 - Comprehensive Excellence

13:28 - Removing Roadblocks for your Staff

16:19 - Connecting with your Student-Athletes

18:08 - Importance of Self-Assessment

20:08 - A Creative Strategy Division

23:40 - Being Innovative in everything we do at Georgia Southern

24:22 - The Hiring Process during Covid-19

28:30 - Alignment at the Top

30:59 - What does a Prepared College Student-Athlete look like?

34:26 - True Blue Friday!

37:00 - 2-Minute Drill

Book Mentions:        The Trillion Dollar Coach           

You can follow Jared Benko on social media Twitter:@GSAthletics @JaredBenko                            Instagram: @GSAthletics                  

Find out more about Mr. Jared Benko and Georgia Southern University Athletics at:
 Georgia Southern Athletics

About Hangin With The AD Podcast…. 

Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker, Cobb County School District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews, Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics.  These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities.           

We hope you enjoy the time we spend with these special guests.  Please leave us a review or rating to help us know how you were benefited from this podcast or how we can improve it.  Thank you for listening.  And until next time, thank you for spending your time, Hangin with the AD.          

Don Baker.... Director of Athletics for the Cobb County School District in Georgia. @CCSD_AD (twitter & instagram)

Josh Mathews...Athletics Director at Pope High School in Marietta, GA (East Cobb). @mathews14 (twitter) @jwmathews14 (instagram)