Ask the AD - Reggie Spears, Watkins Mill High School
This summer, just like we did last 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 Reggie Spears from Watkins Mill High School in Montgomery County! Reggie spoke with us about a variety of topics, including what he enjoys most about being an athletic director!
County Sports Zone:How did you become athletic director at Watkins Mill? How did your appointment come about?
Reggie Spears:I started at Watkins Mill as the Athletic Director in 2009 after returning from a two year leave of absence. I originally planned on returning as a School Counselor, but was encouraged to apply for the AD position by a colleague because of my coaching experience and background. I began my career at Montgomery Blair High School as a school counselor and football coach for six years- varsity assistant one year, head jv football coach for five years.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you started? How has it stayed the same?
RS:The overall management of the athletic facilities, coaches and student athletes continues to be the scope of the position. The responsibilities concerning safety of student athletes has increased since I started the position. There have been advancements for the purpose of implementing concussion prevention measures and technological advancements to help with player development.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
RS:I enjoy the day to day interactions with student athletes, coaches and stakeholders of the community. Knowing that I have a hand in developing a child's success in high school is rewarding. Also, using sports to ensure that they will have successful life skills as adults is rewarding.
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Watkins Mill Athletics?
RS:An A++ is the rating I'd give us for this year. While we received national attention revolving around the National Anthem protest as well as protocol for a student being able to wear cultural attire during sports, we maintained our steadfast focus on sports and contributed to social awareness efforts.
Our boys soccer team also advanced to the state semi-finals and won the 3A state south region championship. Our girls basketball team reached the regional finals and we've had a successful campaign with many of our sports programs this season.
CSZ:How do you view the athletic director's role within the community of a high school?
RS:An AD is a facilitator and manager of a comprehensive sports program that represents the entire school community. The athletic program drives the culture of a school in many ways. So, understanding that is critical to the success of the program.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new we should be on the lookout for from Watkins Mill's athletic department?
RS:We have a great freshman class entering in the fall with phenomenal athletes. I expect a lot of our fall teams to perform well. This will push our other teams to do well.
CSZ:What are your long term goals for the Watkins Mill Athletics program?
RS:I'd like to continue to make facility improvements and enhance our campus. Another goal is to let the surrounding community know that Watkins Mill High School is a great place.
Today we're featuring Reggie Spears from Watkins Mill High School in Montgomery County! Reggie spoke with us about a variety of topics, including what he enjoys most about being an athletic director!
County Sports Zone:How did you become athletic director at Watkins Mill? How did your appointment come about?
Reggie Spears:I started at Watkins Mill as the Athletic Director in 2009 after returning from a two year leave of absence. I originally planned on returning as a School Counselor, but was encouraged to apply for the AD position by a colleague because of my coaching experience and background. I began my career at Montgomery Blair High School as a school counselor and football coach for six years- varsity assistant one year, head jv football coach for five years.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you started? How has it stayed the same?
RS:The overall management of the athletic facilities, coaches and student athletes continues to be the scope of the position. The responsibilities concerning safety of student athletes has increased since I started the position. There have been advancements for the purpose of implementing concussion prevention measures and technological advancements to help with player development.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
RS:I enjoy the day to day interactions with student athletes, coaches and stakeholders of the community. Knowing that I have a hand in developing a child's success in high school is rewarding. Also, using sports to ensure that they will have successful life skills as adults is rewarding.
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Watkins Mill Athletics?
RS:An A++ is the rating I'd give us for this year. While we received national attention revolving around the National Anthem protest as well as protocol for a student being able to wear cultural attire during sports, we maintained our steadfast focus on sports and contributed to social awareness efforts.
Our boys soccer team also advanced to the state semi-finals and won the 3A state south region championship. Our girls basketball team reached the regional finals and we've had a successful campaign with many of our sports programs this season.
CSZ:How do you view the athletic director's role within the community of a high school?
RS:An AD is a facilitator and manager of a comprehensive sports program that represents the entire school community. The athletic program drives the culture of a school in many ways. So, understanding that is critical to the success of the program.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new we should be on the lookout for from Watkins Mill's athletic department?
RS:We have a great freshman class entering in the fall with phenomenal athletes. I expect a lot of our fall teams to perform well. This will push our other teams to do well.
CSZ:What are your long term goals for the Watkins Mill Athletics program?
RS:I'd like to continue to make facility improvements and enhance our campus. Another goal is to let the surrounding community know that Watkins Mill High School is a great place.
| June 20th, 2017 | By: Wick Eisenberg |