National Athletic Director Day, celebrated on December 15, recognizes the leadership and behind-the-scenes work that ensures every athletic event at HSE runs smoothly. Jim Self and Tilmon Clark have made a meaningful impact on the school’s athletic programs, particularly the cheer program, by supporting athletes on and off the sidelines.
“I work with great kids, great coaches, and great families. I was blessed to be a dad and an athletic director,” Self said. “But you know, for me, it’s really not about championships. It’s not about trophies. It’s about the relationships.”
For Self, the most rewarding part of being an athletic director is building those lasting relationships. Over his 26-year career, the connections he’s created with students, coaches, and families are what make him love his job every day.
“I think a lot of people think an athletic director’s job is to just go to games all day and do that stuff,” Self said. “But the truth is, it’s a lot of hours, a lot of time away from your family, and you can’t do this job unless you have a supportive family.”
Many aspects of this role, including scheduling, logistics, and event planning, require full dedication and hard work. Tilmon Clark, a newer addition to the athletic department, has adjusted to the demands of being an athletic director at HSE.
“One part of the job that most students don’t know is probably the game day operations,” Clark said. “When a football game’s getting ready to happen, it’s detailed out to the minute of when things happen—from the national anthem to a dance performance to the kickoff.”
Senior Reagan Kurcinka shares her experience in the athletic department’s consistent support of the cheer program.
“The athletic directors are always present to help us out, and they always reflect our energy,” Kurcinka said. “Just last game, Coach Self was calling cheers and laughing with us to keeper spirits up during a long game”
Kurcinka also mentions that the athletic directors ensure that cheer is respected and represented by the school.
“I think basketball cheer in particular often gets overlooked, so seeing the AD’s hanging out with our coaches or telling us how good a pyramid looked really goes a long way,” Kurcinka said. “Even the excitement they have when we do starting lineup or the breakthrough really just makes us feel seen and appreciated.”
