An Interview with Athletic Director, Jimmy Soltis
Jimmy Soltis has been a coach at Cardinal since 2008 and Athletic Director (AD) for the last 7 years. He also supervises Middlefield Rec youth sports which is a feeder program for the Middle school and High school sports to build and make Cardinal athletics stronger.
What are some of the financial hurdles you have faced as the Athletic Director (AD)?
We had no funds to run all of Middle or High School athletics. Some sports were around $1,800.00 to play at one point, which excluded a lot of potential athletes. Generally, it takes over $150k to run all the sports programs for the Middle School and High School. This includes everything from paying coaches, referees, umpires, etc. as well as busing, uniforms, and equipment.
What has the Domen/Marcu foundation done or brought to you as a Coach and AD and the rec program in Middlefield?
The foundation has continuously, without hesitation, supported our youth families in need to cover registration costs.
How has it benefited you personally as a coach, AD and managing the Middlefield rec league?
The financial support that the foundation provides our families has allowed every child an opportunity, we do not have to turn anyone away. Being a small community, we need as many kids as we can get in order to field teams. It makes it really easy when there isn't a financial barrier.
What would happen if this foundation wouldn't have helped as many kids for Cardinal?
We would struggle with participation numbers and fielding teams. These individual kids and families would not be able to benefit from the structure of sports and teams.
What are your expectations moving forward with Cardinal athletics' and in hopes of what the foundation can do in the future to Cardinal athletics?
Continuing what it's been doing to support our families financially is probably the most important. Also continuing to support our coaches at any level, youth through varsity sports, with needs they may have....uniforms, equipment, etc., is also very beneficial in providing our kids the best opportunities.
Author: Kim Domen
