Mr. Ronnie Wilcox will serve as co-athletic director as the district eyes a replacement for Mr. Burkhalter, who will retire after next school year. Wilcox is bringing more than 11 years of experience in teaching and administrative work, along with his many achievements, including being the Daily Journal’s Male Sportsman of the Year in 2023.
What caused you to pick Lake Forest High School?
You know, I was at my previous job for 19 years and I was just thinking it was time for a new challenge and a new opportunity. So as this position opened up it checked a lot of our boxes. And it was a prestigious institution of high expectations with athletic success. And so I became very interested in it. So I’m just very excited to become part of the Lake Forest community, and so I’m looking forward to joining all the great things you guys are already doing.
What are some things you’re planning to do in your first year?
I think the biggest thing the first year is just really learning the traditions and the successes that are already in place. And then just finding some small areas, whether it be small improvements or my flavor in certain areas. I think one of the biggest things just initially would be just improving and growing the social media presence for all sports. And increasing exposure for all sports. And then really spend the rest of the year just kind of looking for ways to make improvements, but I think the initial focus is really just highlighting all the great things that are going on athletically and increasing our social media presence.
What are some values that you hope to bring to athletics at LFHS?
I think one of the initial values is the idea of service. My job is to serve not only student athletes, but our coaches and the high school community itself. So I think one value is just the idea of serving people. Beyond that, passion and embracing the process every day.
How do you plan to support smaller and less popular sports?
My expectation is they all should have a similar or the same experience support wise. One of the things is that all student athletes have a division one experience in high school, regardless of sport. From the facilities to equipment, to uniforms. And then hopefully increasing engagement from fans at games. We know some sports naturally get more attention. But using my power to make sure they’re all getting the same exposure and love.
What’s your mindset on balancing competitiveness and having fun?
I think the whole part, especially with athletes, is you want to enjoy the experience. If you’re having fun you play and perform better. So making sure that the culture that we have in place here produces that. You want kids to work hard and want to win, but all those things are a byproduct of what you just talked about, this idea of having fun and enjoying the experience. So as long as we’re getting challenged, enjoying being challenged, enjoying the process and committing to the process, I think you’re going to be able to have fun and at the same time you’re also going to see results.
What’s your favorite sport to play?
That’s changed over time. I’m a basketball guy from just what I’ve played and I excelled at when I was in school and through college. But right now, I’d say my favorite porch player is in house golf.
What message would you like to share with students or parents as you start this role?
I think the biggest message is that I’m excited to get started and excited to get connected to as many student athletes, coaches, and parents as possible in the community to work together and continue to elevate what Lake Forest does across the board. But especially in the athletic arenas I’m going to pour everything I am into this, and I love what I do, and I’m looking forward to engaging in the process to elevate Lake Forest Athletics.
