An athletic director’s job is vastly different today than what it was 10 or 20 years ago.
Those folks are not only tasked with hiring and supervising coaches, maintaining game and transportation schedules, and ensuring each student-athlete has turned in the necessary paperwork prior to stepping on the court or playing field.
Today’s athletic director is also responsible for being an expert in social media, ordering candy bars for the concessions stand and even raising funds for uniforms, equipment and facility maintenance.
Fortunately, a wide array of resources has helped the athletic director manage all of those duties.
Berkshire AD Brian Hiscox has been very active in helping to raise the bar at the school. From his presence on social media to his latest venture—securing a grant from Cleveland Indians Charities—Hiscox has met the challenges of today’s athletic director.
The $5,000 grant will help the Badgers to make improvements to both their baseball and softball fields.
“It’s important for both baseball and softball programs,” Hiscox said. “Being outdoor spring sports, not only are we players and coaches, but we are also the grounds crew. Outside of the mowing, we are responsible for the upkeep of our facilities, so this money will help with that. We updated the baseball and softball facilities last spring with new dugouts, and this year we plan to improve playing surfaces at both and the backstop at the softball field.”
Hiscox learned of the grant through a friend and he applied with the intention of using those funds exclusively for baseball and softball field improvements.
“We pride ourselves on working hard to have nice baseball and softball facilities, and this will help us take them both up a notch,” he said. “I’ve already spoken with the individuals who helped us with our project last year and we are throwing plans together as we speak. Once the weather breaks, we will be able to get started.”
In the past, Berkshire has received a Field of the Year award from the Northeast Ohio Baseball Coaches’ Association and this grant could help to bring home another in the near future.
As for Hiscox, his work isn’t done and he has advice for his peers as they continue to find new and creative ways to raise the profile of their own athletic departments.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he said. “If you can show that whatever you are trying to accomplish is going to benefit a great deal of students, you will have people hop on board and want to help. In the end, it’s all about relationships, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and make connections.”
