August 5th began the PIAA heat acclimatization process for high school football programs across the state, with the first official day of practice set for next Monday.
While players and coaches prepare for the upcoming season under the August sun, area athletic directors working in more comfortable indoor surroundings also feel the heat. Unlike the teams, their work is not done under a watchful public eye, but the details of their position are vitally important leading up to the new season.
Like the teams, their ranks include both seasoned veterans and rookies trying to put their best foot forward. Among the latter is South Williamsport’s new athletic director, Brett Herbst, who took the reins of the Mountaineers program six weeks ago.
A graduate of Loyalsock High School and Wilkes University, where he played football at both, Herbst retired from the Pennsylvania State Police after 25 years of service. Along the way, he has enjoyed a quarter-century coaching softball at various levels.
“I’ve long had an interest in athletics and like its organizational aspects. After I retired as a state trooper, I gravitated towards things I liked to do, which is sports,” Herbst explained, expressing his interest in his new job. The athletic director position gives me the opportunity to stay involved. Now, I have a job where I get to go to a sporting activity almost every day, helping kids excel in both their athletic and educational opportunities.”
With the growing complexities and job requirements, school districts have been shifting the athletic director position from part-time or shared duties to full-time status in recent years. South Williamsport’s hiring of Herbst continues that trend.
“My hire fits into that trend because it relieves individuals from jobs that require them to wear two or more hats. Here, I am strictly the athletic director. My concern is to concentrate solely on the athletic programs. I have the schedule flexibility to maneuver between buildings as needed. I can leave the building to assist coaches with projects, check on field conditions, and perform related tasks without worrying about any school-related issue that doesn’t involve athletics.”
Although new to the AD job, old challenges still remain.
“One of the biggest challenges facing PIAA high school sports today is the task of attracting game officials. Schools are facing a similar dilemma in finding coaches for their teams. In some cases, it has been difficult to get multiple candidates to apply for jobs when they come open. We, all of us in sports administration, need to address these problems and find out 1.) why people are not applying for these jobs like they once did and 2.) how we can fix it so that we can attract good candidates to both coach and officiate.”
As Herbst has had the past six weeks to acquaint himself with his new surroundings, he walked into a monumental concern that threatens to play havoc with the Mountaineers football season.
Venerable Rodney K. Morgans Stadium has been receiving a facelift since early summer. Sandwiched between the Rommelt and Central Elementary school buildings, the site has been the home of the Mounties since 1932, when it was built as part of the Great Depression public works project. Its historical significance includes the first installation of lights in 1937, setting the stage for the area’s first Friday Night Lights experience.
The stadium project includes installing a new sports turf playing surface, new lights, a scoreboard, and a sound system, as well as upgrades in spectator seating. With the 2024 season home opener scheduled for August 23rd, questions remain as to the stadium’s readiness.
A meeting with Hummer, the turf company, was scheduled for this past Monday to make a more precise determination as to when the newly installed field at Rodney K. Morgans Stadium will be ready for play. At question are the Mountaineers’ first two games of the season, home contests against Athens and Canton.
South Williamsport officials had been exploring the possibility of hosting those games at area fields, but suitable arrangements could not be finalized. Both of those early games could be moved to away games. If that occurs, the Mounties’ revised schedule would include only three home games with seven on the road. Following the two opening games, South’s next home game would be September 13th against Milton.
Familiarizing himself with South’s athletic coaches and programs has been a high priority for the new AD.
“I’ve met with most of the coaches to review their programs. Some of them I’ve known from previous relationships. I actually coached with Chris Eiswerth years ago at Loyalsock when we were both starting out. Some of the softball coaches I’ve known over the years, so they all aren’t new faces to me.
“This introductory process has been informative for me. Right now, I’m just here to learn and observe and not try to reinvent the wheel. I’ve told the coaches that in this job, I work for them, the kids, and the administration. My job is to see that the coaches have what they need and to help the kids achieve the best experience they can have while in high school.”
For both Herbst and the Mounties, getting settled in their new home as quickly as possible is their immediate goal.
