Following the departure of current athletic director Mike Roth to District Director of Athletics and Activities, math teacher and varsity soccer coach John Theobald will become Central High’s Athletic Director.

On April, 23, the Board of Education approved Theobald as the new Athletic Director. In this transition, Theobald will relieve his duties as both head varsity boys and girls soccer coach, as well as his role as a math teacher. This change will become effective July 1.

Theobald’s new role with the school prompted a positive reaction from principal Mr. Tim McCarthy.

“He will be a tremendous resource for our coaches and sponsors and a boundary spanner with our students, as well as the broader community,” McCarthy said in an email to teachers.

The change is an impactful one for Theobald, who has spent all his previous years teaching.

“The thought of a new challenge really excited me,” Theobald said. “I really enjoyed what I’ve done, but it’s been 23 years of doing the same thing.”

Theobald noted the lessons that he has learned from Roth, his predecessor.

“He’s on top of things, very organized, keeps up with all his coaches. There are a lot of little details day to day that need to be taken care of and he does a great job of staying on top of those things,” Theobald said.

Theobald’s first responsibilities are to take care of and oversee every part of the athletic programs.

“Schedules and transportation are the two biggest things. Other than that, it’s monitoring the teams, coaches, staffs and making sure everyone has what they need,” Theobald said.

In addition to the responsibilities expected of him, Theobald wishes to expand his role slightly in the school’s athletic world, connecting all of the teams.

“One of my big things is to form a Captains Counsel to help formulate, analyze and make decisions within the athletic program. It’ll help [the captains] feel involved like they have a little more ownership, and, more selfishly, I can still have quality connections with the students and athletes,” Theobald said.

According to Theobald, the toughest part of his move to Athletic Director will be relinquishing his role as head soccer coach for both the boys and girls.

“I lost a lot of sleep over this decision,” Theobald said. “Leaving coaching was the biggest hang up for me, but being able to be a part of every teams success will be very satisfying.”