Ask the AD - Jeff Patnode, Central 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 Jeff Patnode from Central High School in Prince George's County! Jeff spoke with us about a variety of topics, including what he looks for when hiring coaches!
County Sports Zone:How did you become athletic director at Central? How did your appointment come about?
Jeff Patnode:There was an opening back in 2010 and I applied and subsequently was given the opportunity. I was the assistant AD at Suitland HS since 2007.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you started? How has it stayed the same?
JP:The changes have been with the amount of responsibility as it relates to the position. The daily commitment to running an athletic program has pretty much stayed the same.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
JP:My enjoyment comes from seeing our student athletes develop into well-rounded citizens through competition.
CSZ:
JP:Keys to a successful athletic program is to have committed coaches and assistants that are willing to endure the challenges that are associated with high school athletics. The expectations of the student athletes are instituted and followed through in order to have have consistency throughout the program.
CSZ:
JP:Our athletic programs were very successful. Our Boys Basketball team made it to Xfinity Center for the State Championships. Our Boys Relay Team won at the Penn Relays and qualified for Nationals.
CSZ:How do you view the athletic director's role within the community of a high school?
JP:The Athletic Director role in the community in very important. It is imperative to include the community in all facets of athletics because they are the face of the school. The participation of student athletes in sports brings the community to the events.
CSZ:If someone wants to coach at Central, what qualities do they need to have in order for you to hire them?
JP:Qualities I find in a coach are the knowledge based on the particular sport, the ability to be flexible as it pertains to coaching, the ability to communicate and lead a group of student athletes and finally, dedicated to the success of the student athletes.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new from the Central Athletics department that we should be on the look out for?
JP:Central has a number of athletes that are ready to shine in 2017-2018.
Today we're featuring Jeff Patnode from Central High School in Prince George's County! Jeff spoke with us about a variety of topics, including what he looks for when hiring coaches!
County Sports Zone:How did you become athletic director at Central? How did your appointment come about?
Jeff Patnode:There was an opening back in 2010 and I applied and subsequently was given the opportunity. I was the assistant AD at Suitland HS since 2007.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you started? How has it stayed the same?
JP:The changes have been with the amount of responsibility as it relates to the position. The daily commitment to running an athletic program has pretty much stayed the same.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
JP:My enjoyment comes from seeing our student athletes develop into well-rounded citizens through competition.
CSZ:
JP:Keys to a successful athletic program is to have committed coaches and assistants that are willing to endure the challenges that are associated with high school athletics. The expectations of the student athletes are instituted and followed through in order to have have consistency throughout the program.
CSZ:
JP:Our athletic programs were very successful. Our Boys Basketball team made it to Xfinity Center for the State Championships. Our Boys Relay Team won at the Penn Relays and qualified for Nationals.
CSZ:How do you view the athletic director's role within the community of a high school?
JP:The Athletic Director role in the community in very important. It is imperative to include the community in all facets of athletics because they are the face of the school. The participation of student athletes in sports brings the community to the events.
CSZ:If someone wants to coach at Central, what qualities do they need to have in order for you to hire them?
JP:Qualities I find in a coach are the knowledge based on the particular sport, the ability to be flexible as it pertains to coaching, the ability to communicate and lead a group of student athletes and finally, dedicated to the success of the student athletes.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new from the Central Athletics department that we should be on the look out for?
JP:Central has a number of athletes that are ready to shine in 2017-2018.
| July 17th, 2017 | By: Wick Eisenberg |