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Prep Roundup
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• Public Schools • North Iredell High School • top story
2008 Jun-18
New Raiders AD hopes to build on momentumBy BRAD NORMAN
“There has been such a commitment here,” said Kruckenberg, who is officially in his first week as North Iredell’s new athletic director. “Recently, we haven’t had a track where we could even hold a track meet. Now we’re getting to that point where we can. The football field is going to be in better shape. We have a great new baseball field and new basketball courts. We’re up to date.” Kruckenberg, who taught social studies last year, has replaced Shannon Ashley as the school’s AD. Ashley, who was North’s athletic director for three years, was hired as head football coach March 31. Kruckenberg is in a good situation, inheriting an athletic department that has erected modern athletic facilities within the past two years. Finding more athletes and coaches to fill those facilities is the next challenge facing the program, Ashley said. “The biggest thing is, we have to beat the halls and get more kids out and involved in athletics,” Ashley said. “Facility-wise, we’re not hurting right now. We’re in great shape. We have to get good coaches, get kids excited about participating and build what we have.” Kruckenberg was one of three North Iredell faculty members who applied for the position. He just completed his Master of School Administration degree and continues to take education classes. “I think it keeps me on the cutting edge of what’s going on,” Kruckenberg said. “I knew I wanted to be in administration. This will allow me to do that, but also to stay in the classroom right now.” Kruckenberg graduated from Western Illinois in 1972 and worked in business for 30 years before getting into teaching. He’s gone full throttle since then, teaching classes and taking additional college classes. A golf enthusiast, he said he hasn’t hit the links since 2002 due to lack of time. He’s been on the job less than a week, but Kruckenberg already has an idea of his immediate goals. “One of my main goals is to try to make the athletic department more cohesive in our strategies and goals,” Kruckenberg said. “ … You cannot beat coach Natalie Tribble, you cannot beat coach Tony Davenport and Tami Ramsey, and Bryan Tutterrow in wrestling. They are outstanding coaches. “We’re still trying to make sure we get the right fit in (other) areas. We’re competitive in everything, but we could be a whole lot better. And I want to be part of that solution.” Ashley helped principal Penny Hedrick comb through the applications, although he did not sit in on any interviews. But he began the process of helping train Kruckenberg in the time leading up to the official switch and thinks the program is in good hands. “Keene is a very professional person,” Ashley said. “He’s very level-headed. He loves kids and will do the best thing for the kids and the program. He’s excited about what he’s doing. He’s been wanting to go into administration for a while, and this will give him a taste of that see which direction he wants to go.” Bookmarkz |
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