Brandon Twp.- Consistency and success.
Those are the main goals of Wayne Thompson, the new athletic director for Brandon Schools.
Thompson will also be the new assistant principal at the high school after the school board approved his dual appointment during the board meeting on Monday.
‘I am very excited about the position,? Thompson said Tuesday, his first day on the job. ‘It’s something I’ve had my eye on. I set a goal and had things fall into place. It’s overwhelming getting started.?
While he is new to being an athletic director/assistant principal, Thompson has plenty of experience at Brandon? he has spent the duration of his career here. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in education and began teaching at Brandon High School in 1984, the year the current building opened. About 15 years ago, he began teaching at the middle school. He has primarily taught physical education, but also instructed students in science, math and health.
Additionally, Thompson has coached numerous sports, for both boys and girls at the varsity and junior varsity levels, including football, basketball, track, cross country and golf. He received his master’s degree from Oakland University four years ago and is married to Katherine, a teacher at Clarkston High School. They have two sons, Nic, 25, and Erik, 18.
‘It’s hard to leave the middle school, I liked teaching there,? Thompson said.
‘But change is good; it keep things fresh, with new things to tackle.?
Thompson replaces former Athletic Director/Assistant Principal Tom Rodenbaugh, who left the position several months ago due to medical reasons.
‘We’re struggling a little bit due to circumstances and different people covering the office a month at a time,? said Thompson.
‘There is a lot to be done… We want to organize and streamline and old files need to be overhauled, but we’ll get there. We’d like to see everyone more successful.?
Organization will be just one of the keys to success, he said. He also plans to make sure all the coaches are doing everything the same in regards to the rules and department operations.
‘We’re striving for a degree of consistency,? Thompson said.