How to Build a Successful Athletic Program

The athletic program is a key component of a healthy classical school. Every classical school can have a robust athletic program regardless of its size. With an average enrollment of 15-20 students per grade, Hillsdale Academy has built a thriving athletic program over the past twenty years. This panel will explore best practices and cover how to build, sustain, and take your athletic program to the next level.

Mike Roberts

Mr. Michael Roberts is the Assistant Headmaster and Athletic Director at Hillsdale Academy. He is also a lecturer in the Sports Studies Department at Hillsdale College and serves as the Head Track and Field Coach at Hillsdale Academy. He earned his B.A. in History and Health and Physical Education from Hillsdale College in 1998 and M.A. in Education Leadership from the University of Colorado in 2002. He also earned his Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) endorsement through the NIAAA. He taught history and geography at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School in Colorado for two years before returning to Hillsdale in the fall of 2002 for his current position. In 1999-2000 he served as the Coordinator of the Alternative Education program at Sturgis High School in Michigan. In 1998-1999 he was an Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach and Intramural Sports Director at Hillsdale College.

Greeks, Geeks, and Cleats – Advancing the Classical Model

A vibrant athletic program s co-curricular and essential to the advancement of a classical model school, and provides discipleship opportunities that the classroom cannot. Come hear how Regents School of Austin’s “Theology of Sport” is instrumental to the execution of a healthy, right-prioritized athletic department that strengthens the school’s community.

Beck Brydon

Beck Brydon has been the Director of Athletics at Regents since 2006 and was the school's Director of Institutional Advancement from 2004-2006. He has coached at Regents for 15 years. As Varsity Head Football Coach from 2000 to present, he has led Regents to 5 state football titles and played for two others during that time.

Developing an Athletic Program in an Emerging School

Young, emerging schools have the daunting task of expanding curricular (both co and extra) offerings as the schools grow. In athletics, there are an infinite number of things to consider – what sports to play, how to get good coaches, what do you pay choaches, where do you play, who do you play against, how do you fund the sport, how do you define healthy parental involvement, how do coaches and teachers work together, how to ensure mission-fulfillment, and many more. This session will provide ideas and solutions to these issues and others. This session will be most effective with heavy audience interaction so bring your questions.

Beck Brydon

Beck Brydon has been the Director of Athletics at Regents since 2006 and was the school's Director of Institutional Advancement from 2004-2006. He has coached at Regents for 15 years. As Varsity Head Football Coach from 2000 to present, he has led Regents to 5 state football titles and played for two others during that time.