Steve Hoskins
Steve Hoskins was searching for an opportunity, but not just any opportunity. In his mind, less was more.
Looking for the “small-school atmosphere,” Hoskins found it at Blue River as he was named the Class A school’s athletic director at a school board meeting Monday night.
Why is smaller considered better for Hoskins?
“It’s enjoyable to know pretty much every student and every faculty member. It’s more of a family atmosphere,” he said, alluding to working at Eastern Hancock for 16 years. “From everything I’ve gathered, it’s the same at Blue River, so I can’t wait to get started.”
The Pendleton native and Ball State graduate worked in a variety of capacities at Eastern Hancock, including dean of students, wrestling coach and assistant football coach. He also helped create the softball program.
When the dean position was eliminated in 2010, he worked a variety of jobs before getting back into education the last two years at New Prairie High School in northern Indiana.
Hoskins will also serve as assistant principal, and his experience in administration and athletics made him an ideal fit for Blue River principal Adam Perdue.
“He’s a very effective leader and has a lot of leadership qualities,” Perdue said. “It’s a dual position, so on the assistant principal side, he was dean of students for years. He has a great understanding for discipline. On the athletics side, he has varsity-level coaching experience.
“He just has great character. When I contacted his old school, the principal spoke very highly of the way he carried himself. He’s very personable, and I think he’ll fit right into the Blue River Valley community.”
Hoskins said he wants to help the athletic department became more active on social media, and he’s excited to highlight student accomplishments.
“I thoroughly enjoy working in sports and with kids,” Hoskins said, “so I can’t wait to start building relationships with them and celebrating their successes, as well as promoting athletic and academic programs.”
Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.