Every student, regardless of experience, should join a sports team. UMA’s athletic Director, Mr. Summers, believes that being part of a team creates bonds and memories you cannot build in a classroom. “You travel together, practice daily, and face challenges as a team, which is incredibly valuable. UMA’s smaller size allows more students to participate compared to bigger schools where competition to join teams is tougher.” Mr. Summers Shares.
Mr. Summers shares that his position as an athletic director involves “organizing the different athletics by season—fall, winter, and spring. I make sure all athletes are registered in the HSAA system and eligible. I create schedules for each sport, ensuring we have enough games, both home and away. I also secure fields and equipment, like basketballs for basketball or softballs for softball, and ensure uniforms are ready. On top of that, I arrange for officials at games and handle transportation. That’s the gist of it.”
Primarily, Mr. Summers’ feels that his job as an athletic director has more impact than when he was focusing mainly as a teacher. He shares, “I taught for several years and loved teaching, but I feel like I can have a greater impact on students through athletics. Sports let kids have fun and build character. Unlike school, which is mandatory, sports are something they choose to do. Sports teach teamwork, discipline, integrity, and hard work—skills that are invaluable in life and aren’t always taught in the classroom.”
Mr. Summers first started his career in business. “I’ve always been interested in sports and coached mainly baseball and basketball. I taught business classes here at UMA and have a psychology degree. Professionally, I worked in consulting with small and midsize businesses, helping them streamline operations and increase profitability.” Mr Summers’ career path would change when his son started attending UMA. “My son attended UMA, and when I started coaching, I realized this school is different. The kids here are more respectful and carry themselves differently compared to public schools. They choose to be here, which makes the work more fulfilling. It’s a great atmosphere, and I wanted to be part of that.”
As a teacher, Mr Summers has impacted the lives of many students at UMA, with one of those being Cadet Connor Walton. He shares, “he’s pretty laid-back. Even when things are stressful or rough, he stays calm and doesn’t get on top of everyone like a parent might. He just says, ‘Get it done,’ and when you do, that’s it. His classes are always chill like that. I like that his classes are self-paced, at least the ones I’ve taken. You can work at your own speed, and he doesn’t hover over you about it. It’s pretty chill.”
Now as an athletic director, Mr. Summers finds a new role in guiding students. Cadet Walton shares “Mr Summers has helped me a lot. For example, before basketball season started, I didn’t know if I was going to play because of my grades. He helped me get everything done at the last minute so I could play. As an athletic director, I like that he brought football to the school. At least, I think he’s the one who brought football. That’s fun, and I’ve enjoyed it. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what else he does as an athletic director other than managing athletic stuff.”
As UMA’s athletic director, Mr. Summers shares that his great achievement at this school is “the 2020 2A Fall State Championship for baseball. We went 18-0 and won the championship. I coached that group of seniors from the time they were in junior high, starting in 7th grade, and it all culminated in that win. It’s something I’ll always remember.”
