New Athletic Director, Familiar Face
Though the Athletic Director Search Committee accepted 100+ applications and interviewed numerous candidates from across the country, in the end their ideal candidate had been at Blake all along. Nick Rathmann, a teacher and multi-sport coach at Blake, will be the school’s next athletic director. He will assume his new role on July 1, as current Athletic Director Jim Lindsay steps down.
In his announcement of the appointment, Assistant Head of School and search committee chair Rand Harrington praised Rathmann for the passion and energy he brings to Blake athletics, particularly in his role as assistant coach of the football and baseball teams and as head coach of the varsity boys’ basketball team.
“Many members of our community cited Nick's success building our current basketball program, his passion and energy for athletics and his outspoken support of Blake and the three pillars of the school’s mission: academics, arts and athletics,” Harrington said.
"I am humbled, honored, and excited for this opportunity,” Rathmann said about his appointment. “The Blake community is something I consider very special and blessed to be a part of. Blake has remarkable coaches, outstanding leadership and, most importantly, students who live and breathe the mission of our school.”
Rathmann, who has been a Blake Middle School teacher since 2005, impressed committee members with his dedication to any role he has undertaken at the school. One member said, "I would like to reiterate how impressed I was with Mr. Rathmann's enthusiasm and love for any job that he has ever been called on to do at Blake."
Rathmann’s commitment to the job at hand comes through loud and clear. While he eagerly anticipates his future role leading Blake athletics, he is focused on his students, both on and off the court.
“I look forward to leading the charge of the Athletic Department and picking up on the strong work that occured during Jim Lindsay's time,” Rathmann said. “Until that occurs, I remain focused on both the classroom and the basketball court this year. Our Blake boys’ basketball team is having an incredible and record-setting year that I hope takes us deep into the month of March.”
Nick, his wife, Shannon, and her son Max reside in Eden Prairie. Congratulations, Coach Rathmann! Go Bears!
