Your future, our focus
BY RANDAL HOROBIK
Tribune Sports Editor
Northwest College athletic director Jim Zeigler announced he will step aside in that capacity to focus on his duties as head coach of the Trappers' wrestling program. After serving as AD for the past two years, Zeigler called it a "logical time" to give up that role.
"Two years ago, the athletic director's position and two coaching positions were vacant," Zeigler said. "At the time, I felt like it was my job to step forward as the senior coach and take that responsibility. The department is in good shape now and it seemed like a logical time to hand things off to a new leader."
During his tenure as the Trappers' AD, Zeigler has overseen coaching searches in volleyball, men's and women's basketball. He helped manage a facility renovation and the installation of stadium seating at Northwest College and worked to form a partnership with the Powell Medical Foundation to get the college its own athletic trainer.
In the midst of that, he also managed to coach the Trappers' wrestling program to a pair of top 10 finishes at the national tournament.
"My passion still lies with coaching at this point," said Zeigler. "Being the athletic director is a big job. I've enjoyed doing it and I'm proud of the things I accomplished while I was in that position, but I feel like it is time for me to focus on coaching. I'm looking forward to spending more time with students, both in practice and in the classroom."
Zeigler will continue to serve as the Trappers' athletic director through the conclusion of his present contract on June 30.
Dana Young, vice-president of student affairs at Northwest College, indicated the college would discuss the best way to proceed with hiring a new athletic director.
"We'll start by visiting with the other coaches to see if there's any interest there," said Young. "We'll also see if there are any faculty or staff members who might be qualified and interested in serving in that capacity. Jim will continue to serve as AD until the end of June, so we have plenty of time to review our options."