Page 5 - AnnualReport18-19_Pages_Neat

AN INTERVIE W WITH
ANTHONY JONES

L UTHERAN E AST A THLE TIC DIRECT OR

BY JESSICA MILLER, reasons for that. players overall. So
CLHSA DIRECTOR OF I’ll say this: we’re
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING JM: What is the biggest change you’ve seen going to be compet-
in Lutheran East Athletics during your itive! We’ve moved
JM: Which sports does Lutheran East time as Athletic Director? up a division to
currently offer each season? DII, which will be a
AJ: Lutheran East has such a rich challenge, and we’re
AJ: Our student-athletes compete in athletic history. During my time at ready for it!
football, volleyball, and cheerleading Lutheran East, we’ve started writ-
in the fall. During the winter, girls’ ing a new chapter in that history. JM: How does partici-
and boys’ basketball get underway, Our boys’ basketball team has had pation in LE athletics
our cheerleading squad competes a lot of success! I’m just as excited translate into collegiate opportunities for
in competitions, and our indoor about the growth in our girls’ bas- student athletes?
track season gets going too. During ketball program, a football team that
the spring, it’s all track and field at is gaining momentum, and record AJ: A big challenge in college is bal-
Lutheran East. numbers of students going out for ancing time ― our student athletes

volleyball. Our track and cheerlead- are learning to do that while in high
JM: How do athletics fit into the overall ing programs have competed at the school: balancing practice, games,
mission of Lutheran East? state level recently. So when we talk homework, and working out. That’s

about change, we’re really talking true for all of our student-athletes.
AJ: At Lutheran East we provide about growth. I’m excited to lead For a handful of our student-ath-
our students with college prep that effort. letes, the dedication to their sport
education in a Christ-centered and to their academics while at
environment. There’s a lot of JM: How are Lutheran East student- Lutheran East can potentially lead
crossover between those goals and athletes serving their school community? to college scholarships and/or the
athletics! When kids participate in chance to continue their playing ca-
sports they learn accountability, AJ: Our student-athletes are tru- reers at the collegiate level.
teamwork, and the value of hard ly ambassadors for the school as a
work. Just like the Christian life isn’t whole. They’re excelling in the class- JM: How can supporters of Lutheran
only about Sunday mornings, the room, leading in service, and helping East make an impact on the opportunities
goals we’re helping our students in many other ways as well. I think provided to student-athletes?
reach are also beyond the classroom. that’s part of the bigger picture of
athletics that we’re striving for at AJ: We have some great supporters
JM: How do athletics fit into the student Lutheran East. of Falcon Athletics! It’s always nice
culture at Lutheran East? to see our fans in the stands. Often

JM: Lutheran East once again made a run we’re playing against much bigger
AJ: Athletics are a big part of for a state title in boys’ basketball in 2018- schools, so it’s encouraging to our
Lutheran East. I’m pleased about 2019. In your opinion, what are the chances athletes, to our coaches, and to me
that, because athletics have helped of the 19-20 team advancing to the state when I see our community support-
me in life and I see them helping Tournament? ing our efforts. We’ve made some
our students as well. We have great big improvements to our athletic fa-
support from our students at games AJ: I’m a confident person, and to be cilities and have to take this oppor-
and our students are excited to be honest, I’m really excited about our tunity to say thank you again to our
Lutheran East Falcons. I believe team this year. We’re bringing back supporters who made that possible.
that athletics is one of the many 4 of our 5 starters, and 10 out of 12

5