MONROE, CT — The Monroe School District is proud to announce Brian Hourigan as the new Masuk Athletic Director and Instructional Leader for PE/Health. Hourigan is an experienced and dedicated educator who has been a valued member of Masuk’s Science Department for the past 22 years.
Two large interview committees identified Hourigan, who will succeed Craig Semple, as the clear selection to fill the position. Each committee was comprised of staff, teachers, parents, coaches, a Board of Education member and administrators.
Hourigan impressed the interview committees with his passion for Panther athletics and for his acknowledgement of the importance of healthy living as learned through the physical education and health curricula.
Hourigan, a Masuk alum (Class of ‘98), further impressed the interview committee with his vision for helping empower students and student-athletes in realizing their full potential through high standards and comprehensive, education-based coaching.
Quoting Simon Sinek during his interview, Hourigan said, “leadership is not about being in charge, it is about taking care of the ones in your charge.”
Hourigan emphasized his commitment to working with the student-athletes, their families, and the coaches of the respective programs as well as the PE and Health teachers of Masuk, Jockey Hollow, and the elementary schools.
“This is a huge win for Masuk athletics and the district’s Physical Education and Health Department,” said Superintendent Joe Kobza. “Brian possesses exceptional character, demonstrating passion, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to everything he does. He is highly respected by the staff at Masuk as well as coaches and athletic directors around the state.”
Steve Swensen, Masuk principal, said of Hourigan, “Brian embodies all that is good about the Masuk/Monroe community. He is a Masuk graduate. He has taught here for over 20 years. He is a highly successful coach. He has integrity and fortitude. In short, he is the best person to lead Panther Athletics for the foreseeable future.”
James Stoelzel, Masuk Science Department’s Instructional Leader and Hourigan’s current immediate supervisor, said, “Brian leads by asking the question, ‘How will this benefit the student?’ He is one of the most self-reflective educators I know; constantly learning from new situations and adapting expertly to changes like few others.”
Reflecting on that task ahead, Hourigan said, “I’m very grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as athletic director/PE-Health instructional leader and continue to be a part of the proud history of Panther athletics I’ve experienced as a student-athlete, coach, parent, and now in this role. I look forward to working with the great students, teachers, and coaches that we have in Monroe to bring our standard of excellence to the next level.”
Hourigan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from UMASS, Amherst. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from Central Connecticut State University, and a Sixth-Year degree in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University.
Hourigan will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, 2024.
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