A Change in Gears: Mr. Demijan's Shift From Drivers Education to Athletic Director

Miles Toppings

September 9th, 2026

“Wins or losses don’t determine a coach or a player, it's the lessons that are taught,” said the new Director of Athletics, Mr. Brooks Demijan. Over the summer ,the Waterloo school board had an opening for the position of athletic director. Courageously Demijan pushed himself out of his comfort zone as a teacher, and pursued his passion for sports. For Demijan this is a huge change, but one he is looking forward to. The athletic director position is vastly different from the role of teacher. Additionally, Demijan is no longer the basketball coach, but more or less a coach figure for every sport in the school. Demijan is now going to oversee themes for sports events, scheduling, opponents, game/practice delays, and even changes to the gym and stadiums outside. Waterloo athletics are already terrific but the best is yet to come. Demijan said in an interview “The athletic department is in great shape.” Though he wants to push it to be the best it can for the student body. Demijan's role as athletic director now is to stride for the best of every student athlete. Not every student athlete is going to play college sports, so the Waterloo athletic department wants to give as many memories, and moments as they can for the student athletes. When asking Demijan why he wanted to become the director, he said it lined up perfectly with his interests. Between his love for sports, and his motive to be the best for the students, Demijan is perfect for the role as Athletic Director. The student body will receive many changes following the athletic departments changes. With Demijan as the new Director he said he wants to promote student activity in sports. Demijan wants student sections to be loud and lively. Not just at football games, but at every WHS sporting event. The themes for sporting events are going to be fun and engaging. One point of possible contention to the students is the removal of baby powder at the white out game. Demijan said that due to the numerous health hazards of baby powder like the chance of ovarian cancer, an increased risk in lung cancer, and in some cases tumor formation. Some other reasons are the cleanup process, and the delay of the game it causes. The Athletic Department is looking to find a replacement for the baby powder instead. With the start of the new school year, there is nothing but hope to look for in athletics. From new leaders who want the best for students to an excited and active student body. New schedules, new conference, and a new director. The future of Waterloo Athletics looks to be nothing but bright. So good luck to Mr. Demijan, good luck to all waterloo sports, and especially good luck to all students. The 26-27 school year is going to be a sublime time.

Meet the Author

Miles Toppings

Miles Toppings is a senior at Waterloo High School in his second year of journalism. He originally joined to expand his creativity and show the world what he can do. Miles is on the speech team doing poetry and DDA. Miles also is a part of the drama club. Miles loves pop culture, and it's his favorite thing to write about alongside political stories. His hobbies outside of school are listening/playing music, and watching movies. He also loves to hangout with friends.

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