No Off Season For An Athletic Director - Part II

When Tom Kim first came to , he saw a school wide athletic program that was on the cusp of success.

"Almost all of our programs had exactly what was needed in the coaching staffs and you could see that the kids wanted to be challenged," Kim said. "I think the biggest thing was the expectations that all stakeholders had in Ram athletics."

Kim has played a vital role in changing the culture at the school from one of diminished expectations and perennial losing to one of high standards and a solid focus on winning.

"Overall, the culture of GCHS is becoming a tradition where our kids know they have to be committed to what they want both in and out of school," Kim said. "Their leadership is important not just on the team, but in the community."

Nick Goshe, Life Fitness Instructor and head football coach, said, "Tom is the type of athletic director schools hope to hire but rarely can. He is readily available, accountable and supportive. Our athletic department is better by having Tom as our athletic director."

For Kim, the feeling is mutual.

"As the athletic director, I want to support the coaches and student-athletes in achieving their goals," he said. "The coaches are so point on with our belief system that I don’t have to change the lens."

Brent Pitt, head girls and boys track coach said, "Tom has a tremendous passion for athletics. He continues to support my track staff and I in our individual growth, as well as, the growth of my program. Tom has seen the importance of a great weight room and continues to strive to make it one of the best in the state. The weight room has played a vital role in the success that Grayslake Central athletics has had in recent years."

Jason Janczak, head girls volleyball coach, said, "Tom is an outstanding A.D. who makes sure that coaches know they are appreciated and trusted. He has such a high level of positive interaction with student athletes. Tom has transformed what it means to be not only a Ram student-athlete, but he’s a year round Ram fan."

"Tom wants what is best for our student-athletes and coaches. He is an extremely motivated guy is always trying new ideas in order to make GCHS athletics the best they can possibly be," said Head Girls Softball Coach Abbey Tadelman. "He is a wonderful role model for out students and coaches and truly feel lucky to have him as an AD."

Brian Moe, head of the guidance department and head boys basketball coach, said, "Tom Kim does an outstanding job as AD. He was of great assistance to me as I transitioned from assistant coach to head coach of the varsity boys basketball team. Whatever we needed when it came to equipment or facilities, Tom has done his best to make it happen for us and that has had a huge impact on our team."

It’s plainly obvious that Kim loves athletics and working with kids. He was the head football coach at Elgin where he taught for the eight years prior to coming to Grayslake Central. He had also served as an assistant football coach, assistant wrestling coach, assistant girls basketball coach, head girls track coach and boys track assistant coach. Kim speaks fluent German and ran the German club at Elgin High School. He has traveled to Germany four times with a group of 20-24 students.

Kim has certainly been active helping out the schools athletic programs. "I take pride in the different facility improvements that I’ve been a part of over the past 4 years along with helping to establish a greater unified atmosphere among the different teams at GCHS."

"This is why coaching athletics is so awesome. They provide students with a safe environment to fail," Kim said. "Sports provide young adults with the challenges that they need to have. Participating in sports is a great place for kids to learn and grow from their failures. So many important life lessons can be transferred to the world outside of sports to help kids become better individuals. Kids can learn about self-discipline, organization, time management, how to work with different personalities, leadership."