After a long application and interview process, Wenatchee High School Principal, Bob Celebrezze announced on April 11 that Jim Beeson, from Kenai Central School in Alaska, will be WHS’s new Athletic Director.

“[I felt] relief and excitement with a little bit of fear,” Beeson said. “It’s a big change to move 3,400 miles away.”

Beeson is currently the Assistant Principal at Kenai, and this is his 26th year working there.

The position opened up after the announcement that current Athletic Director, BJ Kuntz would replace Mike Franza as Dean of Students next year. Celebrezze said he is excited for the coming year and he feels like he is “winning the lottery”, having such a qualified new employee as well as having Kuntz step in for Franza.

“[Beeson] has big shoes to fill,” Celebrezze said. “I have complete confidence he’ll do a great job as athletic director.”

Celebrezze said 54 people applied for the job and it was narrowed down to seven, based on their experience and backgrounds. Those seven were interviewed April 9, and the final two were announced on April 10.

“One key reason [why Beeson was chosen] was his experience as an athletic director, as assistant principal, and as a coach,” Celebrezze said. “His accomplishments in all those areas made us sure he was the right fit for Wenatchee High School.”

A few candidates from WHS were also considered for the job, including Physical Education teacher Scott Devereaux who made it to the final seven. However, while Celebrezze said Deveraux was a “wonderful asset and a panther through and through”, Beeson’s level of experience was difficult for the other candidates to compete with.

Beeson said with the winters getting longer and longer in Alaska and family being so far away, it was time he moved closer to his siblings and kids. He also grew up in the area and said “there’s nothing like coming back home.”

A public forum was held in the WHS commons on April 10, where the two remaining candidates were asked a series of ten impromptu questions. During his time on the stage, Beeson emphasized the importance of building relationships with the students and teaching them life lessons.

“The kids are the priority,” Beeson said. “If there’s something going on, we’ll talk about it. When you make a difference in a kid’s life it’s really rewarding.”

Celebrezze said Beeson would be moving to the area around July and “hitting the ground running” with fall sports. He also said Beeson will likely work with Kuntz at the start of the year to get a bit of training and a run down of the job.

As far as making changes and setting goals, Beeson said he would have to start the job and talk to students and staff to get a feel for “what’s working and what’s not.”

“I’m not going to come in with all these big ideas for things that may not need to be changed” Beeson said. “In order to make changes, everyone has to have buy in.”

Beeson said despite the fact that the job will be a huge change for him and his family, he is looking forward to a new challenge, working with the students, and getting involved with the community. He said his high school basketball coach inspired him to work in the school system.

“When I was in high school, someone took the time to make a difference in my life,” Beeson said. “It’s my turn to return the favor.”