Newly-Minted Putnam Valley A.D. Webb Enthused for July Start
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
By Ray Gallagher, Examiner Sports Editor @Directrays
Folks within the Putnam Valley Central School District are hopeful that Rob Webb, the newly-minted director of physical education, athletics and health services, will stop the perpetual carousel of A.D.s within the Tiger athletic department since the legendary Bill Conroy retired 20 or so years ago.
Webb is the eighth different A.D. to follow Conroy, ninth if you include the double stints by the great Pete Kuczma. Obviously, stability has been an issue within the department, so something needs to change for the good of those within the Valley. Hence, the presence of Webb.
“I’m very enthusiastic to get started,” said Webb, who was recently announced as Section 1’s emerging athletic administrator. “I’m eager to meet the students, coaches and everyone in the community and help them achieve their goals. I’m honored to be the new A.D. in Putnam Valley. Putnam Valley is a tremendous community, and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I’m looking to continue to build on the success they have had across many of their athletic programs.”
Webb, who spent the last few years as the Yonkers Public Schools A.D., will replace former Put Valley A.D. David Kantrowitz, who spent a couple of years in Tigerland before accepting his new position at Westlake High School where he replaced Shawn Baumann, who left after one year in charge of Wildcat athletics, after a steady decade-plus tenure by Donna Pirro.
Now that you’re all caught up, we’ll remind folks that an athletic director’s job is, oftentimes, a thankless one. Nobody is saying they aren’t compensated well, but since nearly every student in high school athletics is going pro these days (tongue pressed firmly in cheek), each school’s athletic director is under constant pressure from helicopter parents, so much so that I present a new position for superintendents and school boards to ponder: Dean of Parents #LOL.
There used to be a time when parents let these busy athletic directors do their job, understanding that the greater good was always at the heart of the matter and they had bigger fish to fry. But something changed just before the turn of the century or thereabout. Nowadays, athletic directors are typically forced to meet with vicarious parents because little Johnny/Jenny isn’t getting what little Johnny/Jenny signed up for when their private coach/tutor assured them they were the best shortstop of the bunch, and that he/she has what it takes to play D-I.
Webb, who hails from Carmel and was a top-notch hurler at Kennedy Catholic in his heyday, is slated to begin at Put Valley on July 22 when he hopes to exceed the expectations of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Luft, fellow administrators and board members, plus the parents and the vast array of students he places above all.
“Mr. Webb spoke about the importance of fostering a positive athletic environment that encourages student participation and entices and retains quality coaches,” Luft said. “Our interview committee was impressed by Mr. Webb’s knowledge of education, athletics and the close-knit Putnam Valley community.”
Webb feels blessed to be a part of it, and his cool, calm demeanor is just what the doctor ordered #IMO #BestofLuck…
NOTES/THOUGHTS: PV grad Max Martins and Hen Hud 2015 grad Anton Sterlini will be the newest additions to the Section 1 boys’ soccer coaching circuit, taking on leading roles for the Tigers and Sailors, respectively, this fall…
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Ray has 33 years experience covering and photographing local sports in Westchester and Putnam counties, including everything from Little League/Travel Baseball to varsity high school prep sports and collegiate coverage. He has been a sports editor at Examiner Media since its inception in 2007.
Visit Ray’s author bio page for more details. Also read Ray’s archived work here and his Direct Rays column here.
