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New AD at JCHS
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By Tom Loeffler
sports@newstribune.com
The administration at Jefferson City High School often promotes from within to fill a position.
Then there are times when they go halfway across the country.
Michael McGurk, currently the athletic/activities director at James W. Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Va., accepted the same position at Jefferson City High School on Monday.
“I really like being involved in athletics and working with kids, coaches and parents,” McGurk said during a telephone interview. “I know the size of the schools are relatively the same and I know they both have strong athletic histories.
“Both have very successful athletic programs across the board, so there is the expectation of winning and performing well, as well as winning and losing with class. The sportsmanship, I know, is a key piece at both schools.
“So it was very attractive to me, because there won't be a lot of change as far as the climate of the school itself.”
And McGurk doesn't expect to make any big changes in the near future.
“I'm glad it's not a position where I have to come in and there needs to be immediate change,” he said. “So I don't anticipate coming in and changing the culture at all. I need to soak it in and see what works and what doesn't work, and evaluate how things run before I'd make any changes.”
McGurk, 37, is a lifelong resident of Virginia. He attended high school in Fairfax County and college at George Mason University. He earned his bachelor's degree in English literature in 1993, his teacher's certification in 1995, and his masters in administration in 2001, all from George Mason.
While he has deep roots in Virginia, he also has ties to Missouri, which played a part in his decision.
“I am very excited to be coming to Missouri,” he said. “It was tough for me, because I was born and raised in Virginia. But my wife (Sara) is from Lee's Summit, her parents live at the Lake of the Ozarks, and her brother works in Jeff City as a water patrolman.
“So it was a really good time to make the move. Our kids (C.J., 8, and Morgan, 4) are young enough that the move won't affect them as much with their friends.
“And this will give us a little slower pace of life than we're used to here, being so close to the nation's capital. It was a good time for a change for me and my family.”
There were 25-30 applicants for the job, according to Bert Kimble, superintendent of schools. McGurk was one of only four who was interviewed for the job.
Also taking part in the interview process were Jefferson City coaches Ted LePage (football), David Fox (boys basketball), Dennis Licklider (track and field) and Lisa Dey (softball).
“Michael McGurk brings tremendous experience working at a large high school,” Kimble said. “We are pleased and fortunate to have someone with his skills and background take over this demanding position.”
The first day on the job for McGurk, who's been the AD at Robinson Secondary for the last five years, will be July 1. He replaces Tim Thompson, who recently stepped down to take a position with the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
“Tim's a great guy and he's done a great job with the program, and he'll be a phone call away since he'll still be working with the athletic directors,” McGurk said.
“He said he'll be as helpful as he can be.”
Then there are times when they go halfway across the country.
Michael McGurk, currently the athletic/activities director at James W. Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Va., accepted the same position at Jefferson City High School on Monday.
“I really like being involved in athletics and working with kids, coaches and parents,” McGurk said during a telephone interview. “I know the size of the schools are relatively the same and I know they both have strong athletic histories.
“Both have very successful athletic programs across the board, so there is the expectation of winning and performing well, as well as winning and losing with class. The sportsmanship, I know, is a key piece at both schools.
“So it was very attractive to me, because there won't be a lot of change as far as the climate of the school itself.”
And McGurk doesn't expect to make any big changes in the near future.
“I'm glad it's not a position where I have to come in and there needs to be immediate change,” he said. “So I don't anticipate coming in and changing the culture at all. I need to soak it in and see what works and what doesn't work, and evaluate how things run before I'd make any changes.”
McGurk, 37, is a lifelong resident of Virginia. He attended high school in Fairfax County and college at George Mason University. He earned his bachelor's degree in English literature in 1993, his teacher's certification in 1995, and his masters in administration in 2001, all from George Mason.
While he has deep roots in Virginia, he also has ties to Missouri, which played a part in his decision.
“I am very excited to be coming to Missouri,” he said. “It was tough for me, because I was born and raised in Virginia. But my wife (Sara) is from Lee's Summit, her parents live at the Lake of the Ozarks, and her brother works in Jeff City as a water patrolman.
“So it was a really good time to make the move. Our kids (C.J., 8, and Morgan, 4) are young enough that the move won't affect them as much with their friends.
“And this will give us a little slower pace of life than we're used to here, being so close to the nation's capital. It was a good time for a change for me and my family.”
There were 25-30 applicants for the job, according to Bert Kimble, superintendent of schools. McGurk was one of only four who was interviewed for the job.
Also taking part in the interview process were Jefferson City coaches Ted LePage (football), David Fox (boys basketball), Dennis Licklider (track and field) and Lisa Dey (softball).
“Michael McGurk brings tremendous experience working at a large high school,” Kimble said. “We are pleased and fortunate to have someone with his skills and background take over this demanding position.”
The first day on the job for McGurk, who's been the AD at Robinson Secondary for the last five years, will be July 1. He replaces Tim Thompson, who recently stepped down to take a position with the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
“Tim's a great guy and he's done a great job with the program, and he'll be a phone call away since he'll still be working with the athletic directors,” McGurk said.
“He said he'll be as helpful as he can be.”
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