Ask the AD - Ken Kazmarek, Broadneck 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 Ken Kazmarek from Broadneck High School in Anne Arundel County! During our conversation, Ken spoke with us about his athletic department's coaching philosophy, how technology has helped the job evolve and the sports culture at Broadneck!
County Sports Zone:How did you become athletic director at Broadneck? How did your appointment come about?
Ken Kazmarek:Our first principal, Larry Knight, brought me into his office and told me I was his next athletic director! It was the way it was done in those days! 1991.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you started? How has it stayed the same?
KK:There are two significant changes!
1- The amount of accountability and paperwork has increased 200% (although a lot of the work for the most part helps ensure the safety of our student-athletes).
2- The use of technology. When I was first named AD there were no computers or cell phones. Today it's impossible to do this job without a clear working knowledge of computer skills.
Student-athletes and their passion and enjoyment of playing sports has remained the same. Student-athletes in 1990 had the same dreams, desire and passion for athletics as do students today!
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Broadneck Athletcs? Were there a couple highlights that stand out?
KK:We had another great overall year because we have a great coaching staff that places the importance of having a great athletic experience for our student-athletes at the top of their priority list!
Without a doubt the highlight of our year to me was our girls soccer state championship. I was so happy for those girls!
CSZ:What's the sports culture like at Broadneck?
KK:Needless to say there are very high expectations at Broadneck athletically, but I am proud to say our coaches do a great job of keeping high school athletics in proper perspective!
CSZ:What're a couple things you've accomplished while Broadneck athletic director that you are most proud of?
KK:I am most proud of the philosophy that our coaches have adopted as a coaching staff at Broadneck. They all understand that we are a program first and their individual program is a part of the larger, bigger program called Broadneck Athletics. Our coaches are very supportive of each other and this supportive attitude is modeled by our athletes who come out and support other athletes as they compete throughout the year. It creates a very close knit relationship among our athletes and coaches.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
KK:Ultimately, I get the most enjoyment from watching coaches teach at practice.
CSZ:How do you view the role of an athletic director within a high school community?
KK:Today, high school athletics is more visible than ever with the multiple levels of communication that exist today. My role is to create an environment in which our athletic program is welcoming and inviting to our parents and visitors, an athletic program that is interactive with our youth groups and an athletic program in which our coaches and athletes understand the importance of sportsmanship and service to our community.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new we should be on the look out for from Broadneck's athletic department?
KK:This year we have brought in several new staff members who will make significant contributions to our athletic program. Additionally, we have a new principal, Mr. Jim Todd, who has already demonstrated tremendous support for our athletic program and will provide tremendous leadership as our principal.
Today we're featuring Ken Kazmarek from Broadneck High School in Anne Arundel County! During our conversation, Ken spoke with us about his athletic department's coaching philosophy, how technology has helped the job evolve and the sports culture at Broadneck!
County Sports Zone:How did you become athletic director at Broadneck? How did your appointment come about?
Ken Kazmarek:Our first principal, Larry Knight, brought me into his office and told me I was his next athletic director! It was the way it was done in those days! 1991.
CSZ:How has the job changed since you started? How has it stayed the same?
KK:There are two significant changes!
1- The amount of accountability and paperwork has increased 200% (although a lot of the work for the most part helps ensure the safety of our student-athletes).
2- The use of technology. When I was first named AD there were no computers or cell phones. Today it's impossible to do this job without a clear working knowledge of computer skills.
Student-athletes and their passion and enjoyment of playing sports has remained the same. Student-athletes in 1990 had the same dreams, desire and passion for athletics as do students today!
CSZ:How would you rate this past year for Broadneck Athletcs? Were there a couple highlights that stand out?
KK:We had another great overall year because we have a great coaching staff that places the importance of having a great athletic experience for our student-athletes at the top of their priority list!
Without a doubt the highlight of our year to me was our girls soccer state championship. I was so happy for those girls!
CSZ:What's the sports culture like at Broadneck?
KK:Needless to say there are very high expectations at Broadneck athletically, but I am proud to say our coaches do a great job of keeping high school athletics in proper perspective!
CSZ:What're a couple things you've accomplished while Broadneck athletic director that you are most proud of?
KK:I am most proud of the philosophy that our coaches have adopted as a coaching staff at Broadneck. They all understand that we are a program first and their individual program is a part of the larger, bigger program called Broadneck Athletics. Our coaches are very supportive of each other and this supportive attitude is modeled by our athletes who come out and support other athletes as they compete throughout the year. It creates a very close knit relationship among our athletes and coaches.
CSZ:What do you enjoy most about your job?
KK:Ultimately, I get the most enjoyment from watching coaches teach at practice.
CSZ:How do you view the role of an athletic director within a high school community?
KK:Today, high school athletics is more visible than ever with the multiple levels of communication that exist today. My role is to create an environment in which our athletic program is welcoming and inviting to our parents and visitors, an athletic program that is interactive with our youth groups and an athletic program in which our coaches and athletes understand the importance of sportsmanship and service to our community.
CSZ:Is there anything exciting or new we should be on the look out for from Broadneck's athletic department?
KK:This year we have brought in several new staff members who will make significant contributions to our athletic program. Additionally, we have a new principal, Mr. Jim Todd, who has already demonstrated tremendous support for our athletic program and will provide tremendous leadership as our principal.
| July 20th, 2016 | By: Wick Eisenberg |