Ask the AD - Teresa Bachtell, Smithsburg 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 Teresa Bachtell from Smithsburg High School in Washington County! Teresa spoke with us about a variety of topics, including how she views the role of the athletic director within the high school community!
County Sports Zone:How did you become the athletic director at Smithsburg?
Teresa Bachtell:I became the athletic director in a very boring way- the principal at that time asked me to apply. I had been teaching and coaching for about 30 years at that time and thought the job would be challenging. It is!
CSZ:How has the job changed?
TB:There are more responsibilities now. Facilities, buses, securing referees, and the addition of sports both for girls and boys. That goes along with facility updates and fundraising. Social media has also helped to change the job because we all have to be aware of the positive and negative aspects of the media.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
TB:Working with the coaches and athletes to make the most positive experience for their team and for their season.
CSZ:What do you look for when considering a potential coaching candidate?
TB:I look at whether they will be a good fit for our program. I try to judge their interview and during the resume portion of their packets, their knowledge of their sport and what their coaching philosophy is. Lots of times that will tell me a lot about the candidate.
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Smithsburg Athletics?
TB:Overall Smithsburg did very well last season. Our girls cross country team was runner-up at states, and our volleyball team won states. Our other teams were very competitive.
CSZ:How do you view the role of the athletic director in a high school community?
TB:Athletics as we all know teach a lot about life situations. Since I am also in charge of facilities that are used by every club and program within the school, I have to have a good working relationship with the faculty. We do workshops with the trainer about how athletes with concussions should be expected to participate in the classroom and we have direct communication with the staff about athletic events, as well as times for dismissal for these events.
Everyone is encouraged to use www.washingtoncountymval.org to stay updated on all events.
CSZ:Anything new or exciting on the horizon for Smithsburg Athletics?
TB:Hopefully we will be updating our facilities. Our athletic boosters is the best club ever. We are working very hard to get a field house for the athletes closer to our stadium field, and to upgrade our current stadium needs. After that, we will be working on our gymnasium!
Today we're featuring Teresa Bachtell from Smithsburg High School in Washington County! Teresa spoke with us about a variety of topics, including how she views the role of the athletic director within the high school community!
County Sports Zone:How did you become the athletic director at Smithsburg?
Teresa Bachtell:I became the athletic director in a very boring way- the principal at that time asked me to apply. I had been teaching and coaching for about 30 years at that time and thought the job would be challenging. It is!
CSZ:How has the job changed?
TB:There are more responsibilities now. Facilities, buses, securing referees, and the addition of sports both for girls and boys. That goes along with facility updates and fundraising. Social media has also helped to change the job because we all have to be aware of the positive and negative aspects of the media.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
TB:Working with the coaches and athletes to make the most positive experience for their team and for their season.
CSZ:What do you look for when considering a potential coaching candidate?
TB:I look at whether they will be a good fit for our program. I try to judge their interview and during the resume portion of their packets, their knowledge of their sport and what their coaching philosophy is. Lots of times that will tell me a lot about the candidate.
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Smithsburg Athletics?
TB:Overall Smithsburg did very well last season. Our girls cross country team was runner-up at states, and our volleyball team won states. Our other teams were very competitive.
CSZ:How do you view the role of the athletic director in a high school community?
TB:Athletics as we all know teach a lot about life situations. Since I am also in charge of facilities that are used by every club and program within the school, I have to have a good working relationship with the faculty. We do workshops with the trainer about how athletes with concussions should be expected to participate in the classroom and we have direct communication with the staff about athletic events, as well as times for dismissal for these events.
Everyone is encouraged to use www.washingtoncountymval.org to stay updated on all events.
CSZ:Anything new or exciting on the horizon for Smithsburg Athletics?
TB:Hopefully we will be updating our facilities. Our athletic boosters is the best club ever. We are working very hard to get a field house for the athletes closer to our stadium field, and to upgrade our current stadium needs. After that, we will be working on our gymnasium!
| August 30th, 2016 | By: Wick Eisenberg |