A High Five for the Athletic Director

“Coach of the year,” “all-star” and “MVP” are standard acknowledgments that are bestowed on deserving athletes and teams. In fact, star athletes and coaches receive a host of recognitions for their accomplishments. However, far too often the role of the Athletic Director is overlooked when reviewing the components of a winning season. And it is the Athletic Director who is the keystone behind the scenes ensuring that every team is ready to take the field, or the court with solid coaching, supplies and equipment.

Many people don’t realize that the Athletic Director is consistently in the role of “urgent care,” listening to coach’s issues, dealing with parental complaints, and all while running the day-to-day operations of athletics; balancing it all to do what is best for students. Besides all of that, he/she must also collaborate with community organizations to maintain strong partnerships that will benefit the students and the community. Additionally, he/she needs to work with the district administration to develop a cohesive vision of athletics K-12 that is fiscally responsible. And planning an athletic budget without any cuts is never easy. There are always parents; alumni or community members who want to share their point of view on the matter. Add in the fact that the Athletic Director has an incredibly demanding schedule, with attendance at every game, and this job becomes extra taxing.

The position of Athletic Director is a big job for anyone. Indeed, I have worked closely with many Athletic Directors throughout my career who I greatly respect and value. However, the person who “carries the ball” for PVHS, Mr. Brian Burrow, excels at the job he is doing for our school. Patient, hard working and ethical, he has one of the most challenging jobs in the district. He multitasks his responsibilities with skill and is extremely organized when scheduling a myriad of items from transportation to referees and facilities. He oversees field maintenance, coaches, athletes and so much more!

However, what makes Mr. Burrow (PVathletics1) a stand out is his strong core values and mission to run the PVHS athletic department with integrity. He embodies good sportsmanship and a positive competitive spirit, regardless of a win or lose situation. He is often called upon to enforce rules and policies that are unpopular. However, Mr. Burrow does not waiver and stands firm always doing what is right, even though it may not be the easiest thing to do. He regularly promotes school spirit and celebrates each and every team with pride. Mr. Burrow takes the extra time to tweet out results from every game/match to get the word out to the community, and always makes sure that teams are recognized as they leave for the big sectional and state contests. He acknowledges the importance of building strong relationships with students and regularly goes out of his way to attend meetings where he can offer them needed support. He works closely with the administration to push each athlete to achieve his/her best potential on the field/the sidelines or in the classroom.

Mr. Burrow is a proven leader who is committed to creating an environment where trust and teamwork are non-negotiable. He models the daily fundamentals of discipline and hard work, which result in consistent excellence for the PVHS athletic program. His team of coaches knows that what he says is exactly what he will do, and this engenders a feeling of confidence and trust among his colleagues. He teaches us that success is what happens every day on and off the field and not just in the big games.

As Dwight D. Eisenhower stated, “the supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it no real success is possible no matter if it is on the football field, in an army or in an office.” And for that, I look forward to many years of cheering on the PVHS teams with Mr. Burrow leading the helm of athletics.

So, the next time a team wins, take time to give the Athletic Director a “high five” to acknowledge all that he/she has been done to make that win a possibility!

One thought on “A High Five for the Athletic Director

  1. My husband is an AD. Great article!!! Most Athletic directors also oversee the districts PE and Health departments. Some even district nurses. They have countless nights and weekends, but still start the day as other administrators. It takes a special selfless person.

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