By Michael De Joseph

For the past six years, I have had the privilege and pleasure of being the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for Babylon Schools. As the title indicates, I have several responsibilities but athletics consumes the majority of my time.

I began my career as a teacher and coach, becoming an athletic administrator was never part of my professional plan. However, following 11 years of teaching physical education, health and coaching a variety of sports in Babylon Schools an opportunity in administration presented itself. I decided it was time for a new challenge and began this journey in the summer of 2010.

I will be honest and admit that I was naïve about the position. I mean, how hard could it be? The answer: this position is extremely challenging and fast-paced; no two days are ever the same and there is no punching a time clock (the days are long). Thankfully, my wife and children are VERY understanding!

My description of the challenge is not a complaint, I embrace the diversity of the work and enjoy the variety of individuals, groups and organizations I get to work with daily. In my opinion, the key to success in this position is communication and collaboration. I have learned that many of my experiences in life, whether work-related, as a husband or as a parent, have served as tools in building relationships with children, colleagues and community members. Administrators, teachers, coaches, secretaries, custodial staff, students, athletes, parents and community members all need to work together to create a positive experience.

Everyone is a stakeholder in the game of athletics. The Babylon community takes great pride in all school programs, especially our rich tradition in athletics, so I am fortunate to hold this respected position. In addition to the support from school and community relationships, the leadership and staff at Section XI and my fellow athletic directors provide guidance, advice and encouragement during challenging times. I am fortunate to consider these individuals my colleagues and friends.

Babylon athletics has long enjoyed great success; the last six years have been no different. Numerous league titles, Suffolk County and Long Island Championships, teams advancing to the New York State Championships, New York State Scholar-Athlete teams, teams of distinction and individuals advancing to play collegiate athletics have been a testament to our school organization, coaches, student-athletes and community support.

I am often asked, “what is your favorite part of the job?” Most assume it will be some description of a championship game, game-winning play or some program that has demonstrated success. Not at all. My favorite part of this job happens once in a while when we finish a night contest and the lights remain on for the custodial crew to clean up and a handful of kids begin to toss a ball around. No rules or regulations, just a bunch of Babylon kids having a great time. It brings a smile to my face every time and reminds me of what is most important, our kids.

Being an athletic director is an honor. I do not view my position as one of power but rather as an opportunity to provide resources for our school organization and community to enjoy participation in a variety of interscholastic sports and physical activities. Being an athletic administrator has become my only professional plan; I cannot imagine doing anything else.

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Michael DeJoseph is the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for Babylon Schools