DEL NORTE— Richie Madrid has been a physical education teacher at the Del Norte High School for 18 years, until he switched up his game and took over at the athletic director position for the district this year.

“I love athletics and I want to see the students here in Del Norte be a part of successful programs. We have great coaches and great children. We have known for a while that some things needed to change with our athletics, and we have spent the year doing just that,” said Madrid.

The school has been working with Madrid to create an increase in students that participate in the athletic programs offered through the school. Superintendent Chris Burr stated that when he came on board, he found the athletic department in need of some changes in order to help blur the lines between the many different sports. “When I came here students were segregated, they either were basketball players or football players, and they never crossed over. I believe that there is a direct correlation between a school that has a great academic program and a school that has a great athletic program. You have both or you have neither,” said Burr.

Throughout the year and the combined efforts of school officials, students, staff, family and coaches, Burr and Madrid have been able to take the segregation out of the athletic department and create several multi-sport participants in their student body. “We have students that do football and track as well as excel in their academics. It makes for a well-rounded program for all who participate and though our main goal is academics, I still say having a healthy devotion to sports helps make that possible,” said Burr.

“We also wanted to thank the community of Del Norte. We have some awesome fans that come out to games, travel to away games and are just so supportive. I don’t want to brag, but we can fill an auditorium at an away game and make the other school want us to come because of the fans that come with us,” said Burr. “Our fans are well-behaved, know when to cheer and when to cat call and it is just great for the students,” he finished.

Madrid has also been working with a local foundation to create new programs for those who do not wish to participate in the athletic programs, but want to be a part of other outdoor activities. “The Tucker/McDermott Foundation has played a huge role in the athletic program this year. They sponsored our home games in football and now they are helping to sponsor the basketball program. They even reached out to local businesses like the new Edward Jones to purchase banners that help the program. We have a great community supporting us and it shows,” said Madrid.

“I am working with the foundation to come up with some additional programs in the future to help get these students outside. We want to do a mountain bike club, possibly a target shooting program that is sanctioned through the school and others that get these students outside,” finished Madrid.

The program has come a long way from where it was at the beginning of the year and school officials are proud of where they are headed. “We were able to begin accomplishing exactly what we set out to do, and I think the community feels the same way,” said Burr.

The next basketball game will take place Friday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. in the high school fieldhouse with an away game on Saturday, Jan. 20 in Custard. Madrid invites those who want to send the team off in style to be at the fieldhouse at 11 a.m. to cheer the team as they load the busses.