MHS coaches excited about hiring of Crandell
Middleton assistant athletic director Brad Crandell was chosen as the school’s new athletic director.
Here’s what some of the coaches at MHS had to say about Crandell.
BRENT JORGENSEN, BASEBALL
“I’ve known Brad for roughly 15 years now, and we’ve worked together in many different ways and professional roles. With each passing year, Brad gets better and better at his profession. I believe taking on the athletic director role will be no different, and Brad will be a great athletic director for MHS.
“Brad is knowledgeable, dedicated, and deeply invested in both the students and coaches on the MHS campus. As much as I am looking forward to working with Brad in his new role as athletic director, I also want to send a heartfelt thank you and well wishes to Jamie Sims as he moves into the next chapter of his professional career. I learned a lot from Jamie and together, Brad and Jamie were a strong duo to lead our athletic department.”
JOE POEHLS, FOOTBALL
“I’m very excited he has been hired as our new A.D. It has been and is evident that Brad cares deeply about the positive development of the kids, the staff and the MCPASD community as a whole.
“Brad works tirelessly to help provide and support so many kids at our school with activities to participate in both athletically and academically. He is also very supportive of coaches and teachers, providing us with opportunities to grow professionally.”
TOM CABALKA, BOYS GOLF
“I believe every coach at MHS is very excited that Brad was named the A.D. He has a wonderful rapport with the coaches and student athletes. He was a great choice for the job and I know he will do well.”
KEVIN MEICHER, WRESTLING
“I’m excited for Brad stepping in as the new A.D. He’s already familiar with the program and has built strong relationships through his work here. I think he’ll do an awesome job.
“He has a great approach to leadership, is committed to supporting athletes and coaches, and will continue the tradition of success here at Middleton.”
BRITTANY CARL, SOFTBALL
“I really enjoy working with Brad, so I’m excited for him to take on the opportunity. He’s a huge supporter of all teams.
“He’s really been a big fan of ours and anything we’ve needed he’s been there. So I’m really looking forward to the next era. I’m looking forward to seeing what Brad does.”
KEVIN PAULS, BOYS SOCCER
“Brad is a great hire! He obviously has familiarity with the school, athletic department and most importantly the student athletes.
“He’s got a great rapport with coaches. He really lets the students take ownership of the things they can. He will continue to lead our department to great success on and off the field.”
BRIAN FINNEL, BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
“I am excited for Brad and I am happy to hear he is our new athletic director!
“Having Brad take over will ensure consistency for the athletic department. I think he will do quite well since he already knows the system and am looking forward to working with him more in the future!”
NATE LUTTERMAN, BOYS LACROSSE
“I think Brad was a home run hire. He’s been outstanding in his current role and an enormous help to our program in my time here.
“Middleton is a big school with a lot of competitive sports programs and we needed someone who was familiar with that type of environment. I think he will do an excellent job as A.D.”
BECKY HALVERSON, GIRLS GOLF
“I’m very excited to continue working with Brad in his new role as athletic director. He does an outstanding job managing all the moving parts of the athletic department and has a great way of supporting both coaches and student-athletes.
“I’m happy for Brad and confident he’ll continue to lead with integrity, vision, and clear direction. I look forward to what’s ahead under his leadership.”
BEN WHITE, GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
“I am excited that Brad is getting the opportunity to be the next A.D. at Middleton. Since his time at Middleton, I can say I have watched him put the students first.
“He’s been a teacher, coach and administrator in his career. He has worn a bunch of hats and the time is right to have him be our next A.D.”
KEVN BAVERY, BOYS BASKETBALL
“It’s as big as any job in the district. It’s also likely the most visible. The personal interactions that have to happen daily, weekly, and seasonally are immense.
“Sometimes the best thing to do when there is an opening for such a position is to go with an outside candidate, and sometimes the best thing to do is go with someone from within. In either case it has to be the right person and a great fit.
“For MHS athletics, Brad Crandell is the perfect choice. He has proven what he is capable of in all aspects of the job. He has the temperment to work with all types of personalities, and all kinds of situations.
“He can handle the day to day as well as everything that comes with the big events under the bright lights. He’ll be a ‘coach’s coach’ and will work side by side with MHS staff, student-athletes, officials, parents, boosters, game management, media, and colleagues around the Big Eight.
“He’ll always put academics first. Middleton athletics is in a great situation, but Brad knows you never stand still. He’ll continue to build upon what is great while working his own plan and vision of where he believes he can help it go.”
