GONZALES APACHES

Gonzales ISD names Michael Waldie as new athletic director

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Pearland ISD offensive coordinator Michael Waldie was named athletic director and head football coach of the Gonzales Apaches on Tuesday.

Waldie replaces Kodi Crane who coached five football seasons, all of which ended with playoff berths, leaving Gonzales with a 27-31 overall record.

“Coach Waldie’s extensive service as an educator and coach, experience in lead positions and communication style set him apart as the finalist,” Gonzales ISD Superintendent Dr. Kim Strozier wrote in a statement. “We are extremely excited for Coach Waldie to join the Apaches as AD and head football coach. We received excellent recommendations from past districts and feel fortunate to welcome a leader eager to become not only a part of our school family, but also a part of our community.”

Gonzales ISD had a hiring committee that reviewed 84 applications. The committee then interviewed five candidates, officially hiring Waldie 19 days after Crane announced he was stepping down.

“I do think it is important to fill the role as soon as possible,” Strozier told the Inquirer. “It is a leadership role that encompasses many services for our students in varied activities. Our Athletic Director serves to provide support for all sports, both girls and boys grades 7-12 with an additional focus on pre-athletics and that alignment. The sooner the AD is on staff and engaged, the sooner he can become acquainted with our coaches, students and provide guidance and support in preparations to our Apache teams.”

Waldie served as athletic director and head football coach in Daingerfield, Woodville, and Luling, with a record of 33-31 in the six seasons he’s been a head coach. Waldie most recently was offensive coordinator at Class 6A Pearland ISD where the team went 10-0 as undefeated district champions, losing in the bi-district round to Dickinson.

“Coach Waldie’s philosophy includes the belief in the power of attitude in achieving success, and athletics being a continuous means of developing attitude that contributes to success,” Strozier said of the new hire. “He also stresses the positive environment of a consistent and disciplined athletics program that builds team unity, love, and loyalty. Coach Waldie believes in all programs and coaching is about coaching kids. Mr. Waldie, wife Amy, and their two youngest children will join the Apache family, in Gonzales, the week of March 18.”

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