For three years, the athletic department has seen a revolving door of Athletic Directors but this year a familiar face enters the office, head football coach and science teacher Ryan Bolland, joined by new athletic secretary Dru Miesbach.
Bolland is a household name on campus. His passion for sports came to life in 2004 when he attended Buena and became a multi-sport athlete. In his seventh year of teaching and coaching at Buena, an opportunity to make a larger contribution in the athletic program presented itself.
“[Being the athletic director] allowed me [to work] in different sports, like I did as an athlete,” Bolland said.
When previous Athletic Director Derek Rusk stepped down from the position to become an assistant principal, Buena offered the job to any of the teachers on campus. When Bolland applied, Assistant Principal Tina Perez expressed that there was no one more qualified for the role.
“He has a love for Buena and a love for sports,” Perez said. For his dedication to the school, Bolland quite literally has a place in Buena’s hall of fame.
The day-to-day tasks of Bolland include booking the facilities to use, managing coaches and building the bridge between the administration and sports programs. However, behind the scenes the directors are creating project lists, sending buses and communicating with the ten other Channel League athletic directors and coaches.
“The fall is a busier time for sure,” Bolland said. As the head football coach, he takes a large amount of responsibility over his own sport and the rest of Buena athletics. With the help of Miesbach and Perez, he is able to juggle both programs.
When Bolland has to focus on football, any sports responsibilities are taken up by Miesbach and Perez, his committed team. “Our job is to support the students,” Miesbach said. “[In addition], Bolland, the coaches and all the rest of sports.”
With a new team comes new goals and Bolland’s unique qualifications and love for the students makes this fall a historic one. Although this first season may be crowded and rocky, Bolland believes that the program can meet their goals.
“I want to continue to fight for the sports on our campus; I want to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to make the experience athletes have here are as good as they can be,” Bolland said.
