Central Athletic Director Chris Kirkpatrick is stepping down from his position at the end of June.
Kirkpatrick joined Central in July 2022 after serving as the Athletic Director at Woodstock High School.
“I have three young kids and this job tends to be a lot of hours,” Kirkpatrick said. “I live over an hour and 15 minutes away. It was a hard decision, but I had to do what’s best for my family.”
During Kirkpatrick’s time as Athletic Director, Central has seen 2 individual state champions from its athletes and boys soccer’s first-ever state championship in the fall of 2022.
“There are lots of immediate positives that Kirkpatrick was able to bring based on his experience,” Principal Jackie Thornton said.
Under Kirkpatick, Central athletics has seen the addition of new scoreboards in the pool and main gym, alongside other improvements.
“Some traditions like state walk and [Redhawk ELITE] are some of the things I’m most proud of,” Kirkpatrick said.
Not all of Kirkpatrick’s improvements have been as public as the scoreboards, according to Thornton. He has also implemented coaches making clear criteria for cut sports readily available, held monthly meetings with coaches and implemented professional learning opportunities for coaches.
Central is currently in the search for a new athletic director and hopes to have a position approved by the Board of Education in late May.
“This is a great place and the kids here are great as well,” Kirkpatrick said. “I know it’s always something that will be close to my heart, being here was a great opportunity.”
