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89 °F Forecast | Road Cams Wednesday, July 14, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend March 12, 2004 Ashland’s search for AD in full swing By JOE ZAVALA for the Mail Tribune ASHLAND — Ashland High’s search for an athletic director shifted into high gear this week. Two the four finalists were interviewed Tuesday, and the other two were to be interviewed Thursday, said Ashland principal Jeff Schlecht. A decision on the successor to longtime athletic director Jim Nagel could come quickly if the search committee reaches a consensus. Schlecht declined to give names, but he said three of the four candidates work in Oregon and all are "exceptionally well qualified." "Now, it’s really going to be the finer points that separate them because, truly, we have four outstanding candidates," Schlecht said. "It’s going to be hard because they all have exceptional recommendations. They have the right kind of backgrounds and experiences that we’re looking for and, you know what, it’s a good job." Advertisement Schlecht went on to say that the Ashland Youth Activities Levy makes the vacancy particularly appealing to outsiders, especially those who have experience working under Oregon’s budget crunch. "When you have a community like Ashland, with our levy that provides so many opportunities for students — from crew, to bowling, to snowboarding — we’re all over," he said. Twenty-two people applied for the position. The number was whittled to four by a 16-member search committee, which includes three students, three community members, Ashland High coaches and faculty members. The job description does not include coaching, said Schlecht. "I didn’t agree with the model of the head coach being the athletic director," he said, "so one of the things that we’re looking for is just a person who will be an AD with a (kindergarten) through (12th-grade) vision � and a trainer of coaches." Also, he said, the new hire should be prepared to deal with the school’s dwindling student base spread across an ever-expanding list of activities. Nagel coached the Ashland High football team to three state titles during a 20-year run that began in 1983. He was named the school’s athletic director in ‘91. He announced his retirement earlier this year. Nagel said his replacement should have at least some coaching experience. "I think the first thing you need to have is a knowledge of coaching and being a head coach because you really need to know what the head coach goes through," Nagel said. "And I think it really helps to know what the head coach can take responsibility for and should take responsibility for. You need someone who loves sports — because, heaven knows, you’re going to see a lot of it — and someone who cares about the kids, is organized, and who’s ready and willing to work long hours." Nagel said those long hours have been the toughest part of the job for him. "There are times when five nights out of the week you’re at meetings and events and stuff like that," he said. "Saturdays in the fall and spring are pretty well taken up, as well as vacations." Joe Zavala is sports editor of the Ashland Daily Tidings. Reach him at 482-3456. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times