As the search continues for Wenatchee High School’s new Athletic Director, a public forum with the two finalists, John Schultz and Jim Beeson, was held last night, April 10, in the WHS commons. The forum brings the search one step closer to the final decision.

“This is an awesome opportunity,” Schultz said. “The kids are great and the teachers are great. I’ve had a great two days here meeting a variety of people.”

WHS Principal Bob 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.

Current Athletic Director BJ Kuntz is transferring to the Dean of Students position in August.

“It’s a nerve wracking experience to go through because you never know what you’re going to be asked,” Beeson said.

Celebrezze called each candidate into the room separately and asked them ten impromptu questions. The candidates had to explain things like why they thought they’d be a good fit for the job and how they would deal with certain issues if they were chosen.

“The important thing about activities is to teach the kids lessons that will help them be successful later on in life,” Beeson said. “I’m a firm believer that these kids that are involved in activities will learn more by being involved in an activity then they will in a classroom.”

The forum also gave the community a chance to learn about each applicant’s background and qualifications. Schultz is currently the Principal and Athletic Director at Mary M. Knight School in Elma, Wash., and  Beeson is the Assistant Principal at Kenai Central School in Alaska. They have experience as both athletes and coaches.

Schultz said he had been looking for a new job and had asked some of his friends from around the state about Wenatchee and they “had nothing but good things to say” about it.

“Getting kids to believe in themselves and the program and our school is really critical,” Schultz said. “It’s important to use positive words and get to know the kids. When the kids trust you and you build those relationships, then great things can happen.”

The two applicants also both stressed the importance of being as involved as possible with the teams and being aware of their individual needs.

“Relations and rapport are really important,” Schultz said. “The best way to develop that is by talking to coaches, talking to kids, being at their events, [and] watching coaches coach.”

Both candidates said they felt one of the most important things was for the coaches to be role models for the players. Beeson said it is more important that the kids understand how to play properly and have integrity than to win.

Beeson grew up in the area and attended college at Central Washington University, where he played football. “There’s nothing like coming back home,” he said.

“I like to interact with kids,” Beeson said. “It keeps you young.”

Students and other members of the community rated the candidates’ answers to each question on a scale of one to three, on a survey they were given during the forum. Those forms were turned in at the end of the meeting and will be reviewed by the panel.

Celebrezze said the final decision will be made by April 11 or April 14, depending on the interview committee’s deliberation and recommendation. After taking into account both the panel’s and the public’s opinions, Celebrezze will have the ultimate decision “as principal.”

Check back to whsappleleaf.com for an update on who is chosen as the next Athletic Director.