After the tragic passing of Robin Bye in April, the school board hired Scott Robertson on June 16 as the new athletic director.

Robertson, who most recently worked as the activities director for Traverse City Area Public Schools, brings a multitude of experience to the position. He served as the athletic director at East Grand Rapids for five years, a head football coach at a variety of high schools for 17 years, an assistant basketball coach for eight years, a track and wrestling coach for three years, and even a special education teacher for 17 years.

Robertson attributes a lot of his knowledge and growth as a leader to his time at East Grand Rapids, where he worked with a number of coaches who are now in the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

“I learned a lot through that process about what it takes to build winning, successful programs,” Robertson said. “So I think that I can bring that to the table here. Also, I think that some things about balance – helping coaches find balance with student athletes and being able to communicate with kids that there needs to be a balance too.”

His time as a coach is also an integral part of his success as an athletic director.

“Because I have coached, one of the advantages I have is that there are very few problems that a coach can come to me with that I haven’t experienced myself,” Robertson said. “I think that the other part of that from the administrative standpoint is helping folks learn to be proactive to help avoid those tough situations.”

One of Robertson’s first priorities as athletic director is to encourage student attendance at sporting events. Athletic passes, which were once $50, have been reduced to $30 for blue card students, $20 for gold card students and $40 for all other students.

“We want students to have the opportunities to go out and support their peers, and obviously athletes love performing in front of others,” Robertson said.

Athletic secretary Rita Way supports the efforts Robertson has made thus far beyond just the changes involving student participation.

“He has already implemented many different processes that has already cleaned things up to just get everyone on the same page,” Way said.

Overall, Robertson is excited about his new job and the people he’s dealt with thus far.

“There’s a ton of things I am looking forward to, I am already enjoying the people that have surrounded and offered support to this office,” Robertson said. “Obviously Tracy Wilson and the administrative team are phenomenal. Having the world’s greatest secretary is a great thing. And really from my fairly biased opinion there is a great group of coaches to walk into and work with.”

Robertson had already made an impression with those he’s encountered as well.

“He is fair and very upfront and honest,” Way said. “Very respectful of my time and others. He makes us feel like a team.”