No Off Season For an Athletic Director – Part I

"There is no off season for an athletic director," Tom Kim acknowledged. He demonstrates it every day in his work with the students, coaches, teachers, parents and volunteers at  for the numerous sports programs he oversees.

Many have wondered what exactly does an athletic director do? The sheer volume of responsibilities of an athletic director may surprise people.

"Actually, the excellent coaches we have make it easy for me to do my job," said Kim, modestly. "The duties of a head coach are a microcosm of what an athletic director does. I am them, but with a bigger umbrella."

As AD and a part of the administrative team, Kim:

• performs teacher evaluations throughout the school year;
• coordinates facilities management with Associate Principal Dan Landry;
• performs equipment inventories with the coaches;
• monitors and enforces the school’s code of conduct for the athletes;
• coordinates the drug-testing program;
• works with Student Assistance Program coordinator Roslyn Lessem;
• handles scheduling with assistant athletic director Corey Schwalb;
• and oversees the car crash simulation prior to prom.

As policy manager, Kim:

• makes sure that the coaches are all working in accordance with all Illinois High School Association, Fox Valley Conference and district policies;
• participates in interviewing and hiring of personnel (coaches, teachers, support staff);
• and acts as the liaison for the Booster Club.

But he’s not done yet because there are further after-school duties, as well. For all home contests, Kim:

• is responsible for the officials and event workers;
• handles game management like coordinating with the grounds crew, security and chaperones;
• and functions as the administrator on site if issues arise with a student, coach, parent or official.

"If there is a problem during a game and officials have a problem, they will stop the game and ask for the AD," said Kim.

He often travels to sporting events held at other schools when nothing is scheduled at the high school. He stops in at practices. "I went to a bowling meet in Mundelein. I caught a game or two in Bloomington for the boys’ basketball tournament over winter break. I went to the Warren Tournament to catch some of the girls’ basketball games. Every year that I have been AD, I have been to at least one contest for every boys and girls sport offered at ."

Steve Ikenn, head coach for the girls’ basketball team and the chairman of Central's math department at Central, praised Kim for his dedication and enthusiasm.

"Tom is a true fan of the teams," Ikenn said. "He finds a way to be at as many games as possible other than those that he is supervising, including many away contests. Not all ADs go that extra mile to show their support."

Kim observes the coaches for evaluation all season long and is committed to taking a holistic approach. "I would never base a coach’s evaluation on wins and losses," he said. "It just wouldn’t be fair. We don’t get a chance to pick the kids who come to our school (unlike college and pro teams who can recruit and draft players). We take what we have and try to do the best that we can."

Mike McCaulou, life fitness chairman and head boys and girls soccer coach, also appreciates Kim's leadership.

"I have been coaching and teaching in this district for nine years now," McCaulou said. "Tom has been the most committed athletic director I have had the opportunity to work with. His desire to make every program the best it can be is without peer. Not only is he very well-organized in regards to day-to-day operations, but he always finds time to attend events on a daily basis. It is a pleasure to work with him, and he always puts the interest of our student-athletes first."