Ankeny Assistant Principal Named New Athletic and Activities Director
Matthew Blackmore, current assistant principal at Ankeny High School, will join the district's athletic and activities staff on July 1.
Ankeny High School Assistant Principal Matthew Blackmore will be joining the district's athletic and activities staff at the beginning of next month.
Effective July 1, Blackmore will become director of athletics and activities. He will join current director Kevin Biggs, who will begin focusing his efforts on the doubling of athletic programs in anticipation of the opening of Ankeny Centennial High School in August 2013.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to move AHS athletics and activities forward, and am excited about this challenge,” Blackmore said in a release issued by the district. "Mr. Biggs and I will work closely together to ensure that we are well positioned to have two outstanding extra-curricular programs.”
Blackmore joined the district in 2009 and has been an assistant principal at AHS for those three years.
Prior to joining the Ankeny school district staff, Blackmore was an assistant principal with Plainfield North High School and Plainfield High School in Illinois from 2006-09, and the Plainfield North Dean of Students from 2005-06.
He taught special education before he was an administrator.
During his career, Blackmore has coached football and was a NFL junior player development counselor and coach in Plainfield. He also has experience as a strength and conditioning coach and as a Special Olympics coach.
Biggs said Blackmore will be a wonderful addition to the athletics and activities department.
“His experiences as both a collegiate athlete and coach, while also being a very approachable and creative leader, have provided him the necessary skills to hit the ground running on July 1," Biggs said in the release. "This position will certainly be a new challenge for him, but we’re confident that he has the tools to help lead this department as we move towards the transition."
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Ankeny High School
1155 SW Cherry St., Ankeny, IA -
Ankeny Community School District
306 SW School St, Ankeny, IA
William
11:18 am on Monday, June 11, 2012
Good for Mr. Blackmore, but if I'm not mistaken, Ankeny taxpayers are now paying salary and benefits for TWO athletic directors - 1) Mr. Blackmore and 2) Mr. Biggs (who will focus on opening the second high school this year). So what happens to Mr. Biggs' position after the new high school is open?
Charlotte G.
1:31 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
William, 2 AD's-one for each school path in 2013. Not sure if this was in any original plan, but it would make sense, maybe? Instead of one AD trying to advocate for both schools, while being non-biased? Not sure that would work HERE...Plus, we know we don't have much time left to get that- doubling of "athletic programs"- done here. Including the doubling of any "activities", but that is low-priority, and how these activities "double", much less those of lesser sports, was never a priority, sorry to say. It seems now is the time for Biggs to focus on things, both big and small. Lots of ?? left unanswered-STILL, whatever athletics or activities our kids participate in.
Charlotte G.
1:34 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Oh, forgot to say, William...Assuming Mr. Biggs will stay. His path was set when he was hired. We know how those paths can change-sorry!:)
Troy Murphy
7:17 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
What I would like to know is how the board plans on paying for the fields and sports complex for the Jaguars. They spent all the cash on the sports complex for the Hawks instead of spending half as much and having enough to do the 2nd high school. I wouldn't be suprised with George and the current board if they plan on treating the second school like an unwanted step child and not providing comparable facilities as the Hawks. Could Mr. Blackmore or Mr. Biggs tell us what the facilities for the 2nd high school will be?
Jack F
9:20 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Met this guy back when he started in Ankeny. I heard the current false four thinks he walks on water. I don't know about their financial over spending habits but I agree that this admin is a great guy. He will do fine as long as he agrees to give our old buddy his "special" seating back at the basketball games..
John Adams
11:17 am on Sunday, August 5, 2012
Split the baby in half. More opportunities for mediocre players to play, less overall talent. Forget about state championships as both schools will be small for 4A schools. How about your Marching band? Instead of 160 can we say 80? Now that will strike fear into the likes of Waukee, Valley, Johnston, Dowling and others. Unreal.