CROTHERSVILLE
Chances are, you’ve either grown up with him or seen him teaching, coaching or refereeing around Jackson County.
While much has changed since he graduated from Crothersville High School in 1985, his passion for the school never faltered.
Greg Kilgore bleeds red and white.
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Now, Kilgore will have a bigger role at Crothersville under a new title.
At a recent school board meeting, Kilgore was selected as the school’s new athletics director.
Kilgore has some experience in the role.
Former athletics director Cheryl Nehrt said she thought it was time to pass the torch.
“I have been in athletics for over 20 years, and while I love it, it was time to move on to other things,” she said.
Kilgore plans on continuing to coach the boys basketball and golf teams while also teaching physical education.
The Tribune recently caught up with Kilgore to discuss his new role.
Q: What skills do you bring to your new position?
A: “I feel like I will provide good leadership and organization. I have a pretty good relationship with most all of the coaches and officials. We’ve got to be sure to emphasize the importance of being a student-athlete. The student comes first, setting an example in the classroom. We will work hand-in-hand with the coaches to ensure that academics come first.”
What is one of your goals in your first year as AD?
“One of the things we’re hoping to do is have a new school spirit. We want to get the kids more excited, and have them come out to more events. I think that there is some good school spirit with some of the older folks in the community, but we need to re-establish that with some of the kids.”
Do you have a pretty good relationship with the students?
“I think that it’s a big help that I know the kids not only from the junior and senior high, but also the elementary school. That will be a big plus. I think that most of the kids either like and/or respect me, which is important. It’s OK to get along with each other, but I also have a job and will abide by the set of rules.”
What are some of your other responsibilities outside of being AD?
“I know for sure I will be helping with a middle school physical education class and also doing transportation with some of the early college students who go back-and-forth with Austin. We’re also likely going to free up three or four periods a day so I can focus on everything from the AD side.”
Do you think the new job will be challenging?
“I foresee it being a challenge early on, but Cheryl (Nehrt) will be in to help, which will be tremendous. She’s done a fantastic job over the past 10 to 12 years. She will make sure that I keep good checks and balances with myself, coaches and officials.”
Have you spoken with any other ADs in the area in regards to the position?
“I’ve already been in contact with DJ Henkle from Seymour (middle school) and Mark DeHart from Brownstown Central. They’ve been working their positions for a long time and kind of know their way around the ropes. They will be big helps, along with several other (athletics directors) from our (Southern Athletic) conference. Half of the teams in the SAC have new ADs.”