Following a successful 33-year career, former HHS athletic director Doug Gann has retired and is passing the torch to Rick Baguley. Baguley has coached numerous sports and served as the assistant athletic director in his 24 years at Homewood, and is prepared to assume greater responsibility in his new position.

Homewood City Schools superintendent Dr. Justin Hefner was a major contributor in the hiring process and had specific goals in mind for what sort of applicant would fit the position.

“We always want to hire the best for our students, schools, and community,” Hefner said. “So, first and foremost, we look for candidates who possess a genuine passion for working with students and empowering them to maximize their potential. For this position particularly, we wanted to ensure the candidate had good coaching experience, leadership skills, evaluation skills, a high ability to support and promote our athletic programs, develop and manage the athletic budget, and be the liaison between the athletic programs and Homewood Athletic Foundation.”

Hefner said the hiring process took about a month following Gann’s announcement to retire. The school board spoke with Gann, celebrated him and gradually started the process of hiring the new athletic director.

Baguley, following Gann’s retirement, soon realized that he wanted to interview for the job. His previous experience as assistant athletic director provided him with insight and experience to have a good chance at earning the full time position.

“Supporting our coaches and student athletes is something I enjoy doing every day,” Baguley said. “As an Athletic Director, you have the privilege of providing that support while also overseeing various aspects such as eligibility, game scheduling, officials, transportation, fundraising, and much more.”

While Baguley did have the advantage of his prior positions, actually getting the job did come as a surprise.

“I had no idea,” Baguley said. “I have been the Assistant AD for the last 12 years, and I have worked hard to assist in every way I could. I have seen what athletic directors do, and I know it’s a lot of work. I went in with the mindset to prepare as best as I could, give it my best shot, and be at peace with the results.”

As for his goals in the position, Baguley wants to continue the legacy that Gann started. With his insight from the coaching perspective working with Athletic Directors, Baguley knows the type of support that coaches desire. 

“I want each coach to feel challenged and supported,” Baguley said, “I want our student-athletes to have all the resources and tools they need to be successful. We have really good athletics at Homewood. I want to push ourselves to take the really good and strive to be great in all we do.”

The future of athletics at Homewood High is bright with Baguley’s vision and experience.