IN Norwin Spring 2018 | Page 46

Q &

A

In

with Norwin Athletic Department

this special feature , we introduce you to the people who make the Norwin Athletic Department a success . They include Mr . Brandon Rapp , Director of Athletics and Student Activities ; Mr . Andy Phipps , Assistant Athletic Director and Norwin Middle School Teacher ; and Mrs . Amy Kerr , Athletic Secretary .
The Norwin Athletic Department . From left to right : Mr . Andy Phipps , Assistant Athletic Director and Norwin Middle School Teacher ; Mrs . Amy Kerr , Athletic Secretary ; and Mr . Brandon Rapp , Director of Athletics and Student Activities
Q : How far back does Norwin athletics go , and what are some of the proudest moments in Norwin athletics history ?
Q : The Norwin Athletic Department has a lot to celebrate , with many successful teams and individuals . For starters , how many teams are under the umbrella of the Norwin athletic department , and how many student-athletes are involved in those teams ?
A : The modern era of “ Norwin ” began with the merger of Irwin and North Huntingdon schools in 1958 , but the athletic tradition was founded long before that . The 39 WPIAL and 22 PIAA team championships , multiple individual successes , the creation of the Norwin Athletic Hall of Fame , and the community passion are just some of the areas that have helped to mold and develop our # NorwinPride .

Q : Within the past few years , what have been some major accomplishments of the Athletic Department ? orwin

NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
A : Currently , Norwin offers 24 athletic programs comprised of 65 total teams . In addition , four athletic club programs and are offered that encompass a total of seven teams . Lastly , from year to year we have student-athletes who compete as individual representatives of Norwin in programs not currently offered by the district . In all , approximately 900 studentathletes participate yearly in the aforementioned programs / teams .
Q : How many coaches , assistant coaches , and other employees are involved in the department ’ s activities ? How about parent and community volunteers – is there any way to quantify their participation ?
A : In addition to the Director of Athletics , Assistant Athletic Director , and Athletic Secretary , the athletic department employs 96 coaches and has an additional 50 or so individuals who volunteer their time to coach our student-athletes . In addition , the department staffs two full-time certified athletic trainers and one part-time position within the sports medicine field and an average of 100 individuals who work in event management . Not only does it take a dedicated group of coaches and staff to operate a successful department , but it takes a community ’ s support as well . We are very fortunate to have an unquantifiable and dedicated group of parents and community members who are active in our booster and support organizations who assist our programs .
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A : We have been very fortunate over the past five years to experience a tremendous amount of success achieved by our programs and student-athletes . Teams have won 22 section , five WPIAL , and one PIAA championship ( along with three other championship contest appearances ). Individuals have performed at a high level as well , including six WPIAL and four PIAA championships . As a department , we continue to work to improve the opportunities for our students . We have developed an athletic website ( www . norwinathletics . org ) to better promote our student accomplishments , completed major facility projects ( i . e . installation of new lighting in gymnasiums , artificial turf baseball field , etc .) to improve the overall quality of buildings and grounds , and provided an athletic foundation that has propelled more than 100 studentathletes to continue their academic and athletic careers at the intercollegiate level .
Q : How have athletics changed over the years ? What has changed , and what has remained the same ?
A : In recent years , we have seen a number of changes occur in all facets of interscholastic athletics . There has been an increase in sports medicine awareness , specifically related to concussions and sudden cardiac arrest . The landscape of local high school athletics has changed as well . The state of Pennsylvania ( PIAA ) recently changed the model by which teams are classified . The old model of four classifications was expanded to six ; resulting in a shift in schools that Norwin competes against .