After narrowing the field to 17 candidates and three finalists, the Oxford School Board voted 6-0 to approve the recommendation to hire Cole Andrews as the new Athletic Director at Oxford High School.
Andrews, 31, will replace Mike Watson, who resigned as AD in June.
Andrews grew up in Boyne City where he graduated from Boyne City High School before heading off to Western Michigan University to earn his bachelor’s degree in Communications, with a minor in psychology, and his master’s degree in K-12 educational leadership. It was there that he met his wife of six years, Allie.
As far as his experience, Andrews coached football, baseball and boys basketball just 30 miles west of Kalamazoo at Watervliet High School.
‘While completing my master’s, I was an athletic intern at Mattawan Consolidated Schools, which is a Class A school about 10 minutes west of Kalamazoo,? he said.
From there, he became the athletic director and student success coordinator for Pellston public schools where he spent a year-and-a-half until taking over as athletic director and transportation director for the Frankenmuth school district, where he’s spent the past three years.
Why Oxford?
According to Andrews, Frankenmuth has ‘one of the most prestigious academic and athletic programs in the state,? so if they were going to move it had to be somewhere ‘at least equal academically and athletically to Frankenmuth.?
‘We really thought Oxford provided (the) more diverse education that we were looking to provide (for) both of our sons (Reece and Cam),? he said. ‘If our sons didn’t have a passion in one of the core curriculum areas, Oxford provides many other outstanding educational options, such as the automotive program, performing arts and so much more.?
‘In our family, academics will always come first, so it was essential to find a district that provided an outstanding academic experience, along with outstanding athletic programs.? Oxford provides both.? The stars just aligned,? Andrews continued. ‘We instantly fell in love with community and the top-notch athletic facilities at Oxford.? Oxford has such a rich academic and athletic history.? It was really a no-brainer.?
Part of what makes a ‘successful athletic director,? in Andrews mind, is ‘putting aside self-interest and to always do what is best for the kids and the community.? That’s why one of the most important goals he has set for himself as he comes to Oxford is ‘learning the (Wildcat) tradition? because he doesn’t believe it’s his job to ‘reinvent the wheel.?
‘It’s already a great place with rich tradition.? I need to shake as many hands and learn as many names as possible, and if there is anything I can improve on, then I will give it everything I have to make sure that happens,? he said. ‘I will give my heart and soul to Oxford everyday I set foot on campus. That’s one thing I can promise.?
‘Furthermore, I can’t wait to meet the students, staff, athletic boosters and community members,? he added. ‘I just can’t wait to start this new chapter of our life.? This is a dream come true for my entire family.?