Ask the AD - David Deutsch, Harford Tech 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 David Deutsch from Harford Tech High School in Harford County! David spoke with us about a variety of topics, including the uniqueness of being the athletic director at a magnet high school!
County Sports Zone:How did you become athletic director at Harford Tech? How did your appointment come about?
David Deutsch:I became AD in the fall of 2010 when the prior AD stepped down. I interviewed with the principal and was selected for the job.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you started? How has it stayed the same?
DD:The job has changed as technology and communication have changed. There are more ways to stay connected with teams, parents, and students. The variety of apps and web based technologies have also improved the speed at which things can get done.
Organization and relationship building remain the same and are key to being successful in whatever you do. Having a system of organization and using it, along with clear communication allow for the AD to get what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
DD:I enjoy the relationships and seeing the growth of coaches, athletes and programs. Seeing individuals and teams reach the goals they have set brings happiness to me as I find not in knowing that others have accomplished what they set out for.
CSZ:Harford Tech's student population is from all around Harford County because it is a magnet school. Does this present any unique challenges for the athletic program?
DD:Tech's population creates a unique opportunity to see individuals who otherwise may not have come to know each other, become the best of friends. I also believe the choice to come to Tech makes us unique, because we are the only school in the county with a population made up one-hundred percent of students who chose to apply and attend.
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Harford Tech Athletics? Were there a couple highlights that stand out?
DD:Athletics at Harford Tech have grown tremendously the last seven years. We are highly competitive in many sports. This last year, we had state champs in track and swimming, as well as state semifinalists in wrestling, cheer, and boys basketball.
CSZ:How do you view the athletic director's role within the community of a high school?
DD:I view the AD as a coach to coaches. I am a resource to help and give assistance as needed. I want to help programs grow, not limit their potential.
As AD, I represent the entire department and I aim for the teams to be recognized for their play and conduct to be representative of what we strive for at Harford Tech- Cobras collaborate, communicate, and cultivate. We work together, talk with respect and appreciation for each other, and seek growth opportunities.
CSZ:Until recently, you were the head coach of the school's football team. Why did you decide to step away from coaching?
DD:This last spring I stepped down as head football coach to focus on family - I am married with three sons ages one, three and five years old- and being a better AD to all of our teams. I will miss coaching, as I love football and the players and families I coached. However, I needed to make this decision to be a better husband, dad, and AD.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new from the Harford Tech Athletics department that we should be on the look out for?
DD:We have a lot of exciting things to look forward to at Harford Tech this year. We only lost two boys from the boys basketball team that lost in the final four. We have a talented group of girls in soccer and lacrosse that are just one step away from being elite in the county and conference.
Today we're featuring David Deutsch from Harford Tech High School in Harford County! David spoke with us about a variety of topics, including the uniqueness of being the athletic director at a magnet high school!
County Sports Zone:How did you become athletic director at Harford Tech? How did your appointment come about?
David Deutsch:I became AD in the fall of 2010 when the prior AD stepped down. I interviewed with the principal and was selected for the job.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you started? How has it stayed the same?
DD:The job has changed as technology and communication have changed. There are more ways to stay connected with teams, parents, and students. The variety of apps and web based technologies have also improved the speed at which things can get done.
Organization and relationship building remain the same and are key to being successful in whatever you do. Having a system of organization and using it, along with clear communication allow for the AD to get what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
DD:I enjoy the relationships and seeing the growth of coaches, athletes and programs. Seeing individuals and teams reach the goals they have set brings happiness to me as I find not in knowing that others have accomplished what they set out for.
CSZ:Harford Tech's student population is from all around Harford County because it is a magnet school. Does this present any unique challenges for the athletic program?
DD:Tech's population creates a unique opportunity to see individuals who otherwise may not have come to know each other, become the best of friends. I also believe the choice to come to Tech makes us unique, because we are the only school in the county with a population made up one-hundred percent of students who chose to apply and attend.
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Harford Tech Athletics? Were there a couple highlights that stand out?
DD:Athletics at Harford Tech have grown tremendously the last seven years. We are highly competitive in many sports. This last year, we had state champs in track and swimming, as well as state semifinalists in wrestling, cheer, and boys basketball.
CSZ:How do you view the athletic director's role within the community of a high school?
DD:I view the AD as a coach to coaches. I am a resource to help and give assistance as needed. I want to help programs grow, not limit their potential.
As AD, I represent the entire department and I aim for the teams to be recognized for their play and conduct to be representative of what we strive for at Harford Tech- Cobras collaborate, communicate, and cultivate. We work together, talk with respect and appreciation for each other, and seek growth opportunities.
CSZ:Until recently, you were the head coach of the school's football team. Why did you decide to step away from coaching?
DD:This last spring I stepped down as head football coach to focus on family - I am married with three sons ages one, three and five years old- and being a better AD to all of our teams. I will miss coaching, as I love football and the players and families I coached. However, I needed to make this decision to be a better husband, dad, and AD.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new from the Harford Tech Athletics department that we should be on the look out for?
DD:We have a lot of exciting things to look forward to at Harford Tech this year. We only lost two boys from the boys basketball team that lost in the final four. We have a talented group of girls in soccer and lacrosse that are just one step away from being elite in the county and conference.
| August 3rd, 2017 | By: Wick Eisenberg |