When athletic director Jay Getty announced he would be retiring at the end of the year, the school was left with some big shoes to fill. On March 10, principal Robert Frasca announced that social studies teacher and former baseball coach Jacob Colquhoun would be taking the position.
“I couldn’t be more honored to be named the next athletic director,” Colquhoun said. “It is going to be the greatest challenge of my professional career.”
The athletic director role has a wide range of responsibilities. Mainly, the director ensures athletics are carried out in a safe and responsible manner. This involves making sure the students are educated and have their concerns addressed, supervising coaches and working with the principal to ensure the department is following county and state protocols.
“I would say that [Colquhoun will] run things very smoothly, and he would be there for the games, and be fair for the majority of the programs around the school,” senior Kyle Galarza said. “He understands the kids’ feelings and how we are now. So I feel like he’d be a really good fit.”
Colquhoun started coaching baseball at Hagerty in 2017, and has been teaching at the school for seven years. He has taught World Geography, World History and Personal Finance while coaching varsity baseball, boys and girls bowling and girls weightlifting.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be around some really incredible coaches who have helped me create my own coaching philosophy, which is centered around overall growth for the students, not just in the sport,” Calquhoun said.
This approach has allowed Calquhoun to form more intimate bonds with players and help them develop both in their sport and in their character.
“Sports teach you so much, and as the coach, it is part of [my] job to help those students grow up to become good people, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, coaches, et cetera. Whatever they end up doing in life, it’s our job to help them become the best versions of themselves for that.”
Galarza has had Colquhoun as a coach in baseball since his freshman year, when he learned to play.
“He’s a very outgoing teacher and coach, and likes to have fun and joke around a lot, and also knows [when] to take things seriously,” Galarza said. “He helps me know when not to take things too seriously.”
The hiring process for the position was extensive, involving an interview with a panel of people who would work with and are impacted by the athletic director. Colquhoun will assist Getty for the remainder of the year, and Getty still plans to be involved, especially if help is needed.
“[Getty has] become a great mentor and friend to me and his care and passion for Hagerty High School and the Athletic Department doesn’t end with his retirement, so he will still be available to help when needed,” Colquhoun said.
Calquon has already built up a reputation for showing up to different games, such as soccer and football. Athletes are excited for the energy he brings to the position.
“For me, the last few years have all been a part of the process,” Colquhoun said. “I wanted to make sure that I did everything in my power to achieve that ultimate goal. I am very excited but I also know there are big shoes to fill.”
