A healthy, well-balanced, and mission-aligned athletic program can greatly enhance school culture for students, staff, parents, and community members. Intentional leadership with regards to philosophy and mechanics is a key component to a successful athletic program. This session will discuss best (and not-so-best) practices when it comes to leading an athletic program to build school culture in a classical school.
Mike Roberts
Mr. Michael Roberts is the Assistant Headmaster and Athletic Director at Hillsdale Academy. He is also a lecturer in the Sports Studies Department at Hillsdale College and serves as the Head Track and Field Coach at Hillsdale Academy. He completed his B.A. coursework in History and Health and Physical Education from Hillsdale College in 1998 and then served a year as Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach and Intramural Sports Director at Hillsdale College. The following year he was the Head Coordinator and a teacher at the Sturgis High School Alternative Education Program. He then taught and coached for two years in the Cheyenne Mountain School District in Colorado Springs, before he returned to Hillsdale in 2002 for his current position. He has an M.A. in Education Leadership from the University of Colorado and a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) endorsement through the NIAAA. During his nineteen years as Hillsdale Academy Athletic Director he has helped lead the program to great success – including over ninety percent participation from the student body and numerous conference, district, regional, and state championships. Mike has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 21 years and they have four daughters: Anna (17), Megan (16), Caroline (14), and Eliza (10).
