Ask the AD - Dan Sageman, Glenelg High School
This summer, CSZ will be doing a segment on the WICKipedia entitled "Ask the AD". In this feature, we'll be conducting Q&A's with various athletic directors around Maryland to learn more about how different high schools run their athletic programs, and what to expect from them in the future.
Today, we're featuring Dan Sageman from Glenelg High School in Howard County! The Gladiators had as good a year as any school in the state, seeing both the girls basketball and girls lacrosse teams win state titles, while numerous other sports won championships and set records.
County Sports Zone:How did you become the Glenelg athletic director? How did your appointment come about?
Dan Sageman: I became Athletic & Activities Manager after several years of coaching lacrosse, football and even a season of field hockey. I believe it was in 1994 when I started coaching at South Carroll, then I became a teacher at Long Reach in 1996 where I began coaching in Howard County. During those years I completed my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and eventually earned my Administrator I certification. I wanted to be either an assistant principal or an athletic director. Eventually, my career took me to Marriotts Ridge with Athletic & Activities Manager Gene Brown. I played for Coach Brown at South Carroll and he has always been a mentor to me. It was then that I decided to interview for the position. In Howard County, the interview process begins with a time written section, followed by a question/answer section with a panel of county administrators. I was blessed to have been chosen by Mr. Karl Schindler to become Glenelg's next Athletic & Activities Manager.
CSZ:How has the position changed since you started? How is it the same?
DS:The position has always been the same for me since day one. You are expected to keep everything organized for all activities and athletics. Our schools are an integral part of our communities and are used throughout the year by many groups.
CSZ: What're a couple keys to running a successful athletic program?
DS:1- Organization. It's all about the wonderful world of calendars and planning.
2- Communication.
3- Coaches. Having quality coaches and making their jobs easier. I want to handle as much of the little things for them that I can so they can focus on coaching our student athletes.
CSZ: What are a couple things you're most proud of during your time at Glenelg?
DS: I am very proud of the relationships with our coaches, our school staff and the community. I believe very strongly about the value of athletics in our schools. Athletics provides our student athletes with opportunities to develop as leaders, build friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime.
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Glenelg's athletic program?
DS: Glenelg had a great 2015-16 school year.
Allied Bowling: 2016 team won the County Championship.
Football: Trey Davis broke the county rushing record (2,101 yards).
Wrestling: 2016 County Team Champs, Regional Dual Team Champions, Regional Tournament Team Champions, State Dual Semi-Finalist.
Field Hockey: 2015 County Champions.
Girls Basketball: 2016 Region and State Champions.
Girls Lacrosse: 2016 Region and State Champions.
CSZ:When you have teams making deep postseason runs and going to states, what is the atmosphere like around the school? How does the athletic department try to enhance that atmosphere?
DS:The entire school gets behind the teams, there's a lot of excitement. Our staff does an amazing job of recognizing our student athletes and their accomplishments. There were posters hanging up, hallways decorated and even pep rallies to honor our student athletes. It was also amazing to see the number of students and staff that attended the playoff games. Parents in our community even organized fan buses for our students so they wouldn't have to drive to the games.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
DS: I really enjoy the games. Win or lose, watching student athletes compete and show good sportsmanship is a big reason why I enjoy the job.
CSZ:How do you view the athletic director's role within the community of a high school?
DS:I believe we are an integral part of our community and the development of our student athletes. Glenelg High School has so much to offer students. Everyone knows about the great academic achievements at Glenelg, the outstanding performing arts department, and the great winning tradition in athletics. It is such a great place to be. When I have spoken to incoming students, I have always challenged them to get involved. Be your best in the classroom and be involved after school.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new we should be on the look out for from Glenelg's athletic department?
DS: We are looking forward to another great year. Coaches and athletes are working hard to be their best.
Today, we're featuring Dan Sageman from Glenelg High School in Howard County! The Gladiators had as good a year as any school in the state, seeing both the girls basketball and girls lacrosse teams win state titles, while numerous other sports won championships and set records.
County Sports Zone:How did you become the Glenelg athletic director? How did your appointment come about?
Dan Sageman: I became Athletic & Activities Manager after several years of coaching lacrosse, football and even a season of field hockey. I believe it was in 1994 when I started coaching at South Carroll, then I became a teacher at Long Reach in 1996 where I began coaching in Howard County. During those years I completed my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and eventually earned my Administrator I certification. I wanted to be either an assistant principal or an athletic director. Eventually, my career took me to Marriotts Ridge with Athletic & Activities Manager Gene Brown. I played for Coach Brown at South Carroll and he has always been a mentor to me. It was then that I decided to interview for the position. In Howard County, the interview process begins with a time written section, followed by a question/answer section with a panel of county administrators. I was blessed to have been chosen by Mr. Karl Schindler to become Glenelg's next Athletic & Activities Manager.
CSZ:How has the position changed since you started? How is it the same?
DS:The position has always been the same for me since day one. You are expected to keep everything organized for all activities and athletics. Our schools are an integral part of our communities and are used throughout the year by many groups.
CSZ: What're a couple keys to running a successful athletic program?
DS:1- Organization. It's all about the wonderful world of calendars and planning.
2- Communication.
3- Coaches. Having quality coaches and making their jobs easier. I want to handle as much of the little things for them that I can so they can focus on coaching our student athletes.
CSZ: What are a couple things you're most proud of during your time at Glenelg?
DS: I am very proud of the relationships with our coaches, our school staff and the community. I believe very strongly about the value of athletics in our schools. Athletics provides our student athletes with opportunities to develop as leaders, build friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime.
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Glenelg's athletic program?
DS: Glenelg had a great 2015-16 school year.
Allied Bowling: 2016 team won the County Championship.
Football: Trey Davis broke the county rushing record (2,101 yards).
Wrestling: 2016 County Team Champs, Regional Dual Team Champions, Regional Tournament Team Champions, State Dual Semi-Finalist.
Field Hockey: 2015 County Champions.
Girls Basketball: 2016 Region and State Champions.
Girls Lacrosse: 2016 Region and State Champions.
CSZ:When you have teams making deep postseason runs and going to states, what is the atmosphere like around the school? How does the athletic department try to enhance that atmosphere?
DS:The entire school gets behind the teams, there's a lot of excitement. Our staff does an amazing job of recognizing our student athletes and their accomplishments. There were posters hanging up, hallways decorated and even pep rallies to honor our student athletes. It was also amazing to see the number of students and staff that attended the playoff games. Parents in our community even organized fan buses for our students so they wouldn't have to drive to the games.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
DS: I really enjoy the games. Win or lose, watching student athletes compete and show good sportsmanship is a big reason why I enjoy the job.
CSZ:How do you view the athletic director's role within the community of a high school?
DS:I believe we are an integral part of our community and the development of our student athletes. Glenelg High School has so much to offer students. Everyone knows about the great academic achievements at Glenelg, the outstanding performing arts department, and the great winning tradition in athletics. It is such a great place to be. When I have spoken to incoming students, I have always challenged them to get involved. Be your best in the classroom and be involved after school.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new we should be on the look out for from Glenelg's athletic department?
DS: We are looking forward to another great year. Coaches and athletes are working hard to be their best.
| June 23rd, 2016 | By: Wick Eisenberg |