GG new AD at WC

By Jimmie Earls

Glen Goatley

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Sun Sports Writer

The decision is in and Glen Goatley has been named as the new athletics director at Washington County High School. Goatley takes over for Chad Willis, who accepted a job as director of pupil personnel with the school system earlier this year. Goatley’s position as AD is effective immediately.

“He’s already on the job,” said WCHS principal Leon Smith. “Mr. Willis has been tutoring him and Glen has a meeting this week with the KHSAA to meet their guidelines.”

Goatley, a lifelong resident of Washington County, is no stranger to WC sports. He is a 1982 graduate of WCHS, where he played football and baseball for the Commanders. His wife of 20 years, Sandra, is a teacher in the Bardstown school district. Their son Hunter, 16, attends WCHS and plays football and baseball and their daughter Olivia, 12, attends St. Dominic school and is involved in basketball, softball and cheerleading. Goatley is currently attending Campbellsville University, where he plans to complete his Master of Arts Degree in Special Education in May 2009.

The only drawback is his full-time job as a special education teacher at North Washington Elementary School in Willisburg, which prevents him from being at the high school throughout most of the day.

“Coaches like that eye-to-eye contact,” Smith said. “We’ll see how it goes for now.”

Smith, Willis and assistant principal Paul Terrell did a lot of the interviewing, consulting with site-based council. Ultimately, it was Smith’s task to choose the best candidate for the position. Willis will handle the remainder of the volleyball schedule while Goatley acclimates himself to the AD job. Smith believes Goatley will be ready to handle the position full-time by the start of basketball season.

“Glen has my full support and I think he’ll do an outstanding job.”

Goatley says that his position as AD will allow him to combine two of his favorite interests – working with children and sports.

“At this point, I have only scratched the surface with regards to the challenges associated with budgeting for the programs,” said Goatley. “Transportation to and from away games seems to be a tremendous expense. I would like to work with the administrative personnel, coaches, parents and leaders in the community to brainstorm ideas as to how we can meet the challenges of transportation costs, yet not make sacrifices that would deter student athletes from participating in sports.”

Goatley wants to stress to student athletes the importance of education, preparing them for real life after school.

“I feel that kids need to learn the importance of teamwork and learning how to win graciously and deal with the disappointment and adversity that comes with losing. Sports certainly promotes that type of atmosphere. These are skills students can use as they leave high school and move on to college or enter the work force.”