Valley activities directors honored

John Thompson of Columbia Falls and Frank Jobe of Flathead High School have been named Activities Director of the Year for Class A and Class AA, respectively.

The announcement came at last week’s Montana High School Association meeting in Helena.

 Huntley Project’s Jay Santy received the honor for Class B, and Fort Benton’s Robert Schoonover for Class C.

Tim Tharp, the Superintendent, Principal and Activities Director at Dutton/Brady, was the overall winner.

The Montana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association presents the awards annually.

 High school principals or activities directors nominate the candidates and a board votes on the nominations — one for each class and one overall. The winners receive a plaque.

Thompson has held his current position for 13 years.

“It’s a good job,” Thompson said.

“Athletics have always been a part of my life. I’m proud of the accomplishments of Columbia Falls athletics and activities over the last 13 years.”

Thompson said Columbia Falls has won seven state championships in speech during his tenure, while the music programs continues to give great performances.

“Athletics, it’s been fun,” he said.

“We’ve had a number of state championships in basketball, and we’ve done well in the other sports.”

 Thompson said his family was very instrumental in his receiving this honor.

“I want to thank my family,” he said.

“This job requires a lot of time away from home. My wife (Alison) has always been supportive of me.”

Jobe is in his third year as AD at Flathead. Prior to that, he was the school’s assistant principal for one year.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Jobe said.

“It seems like there is always something to learn with the job, so it’s an honor to get this award.”

Jobe help School District 5 with the transition of splitting into two high schools. He called that a very challenging but  rewarding experience.

“Glacier is finding their identity, ours (Flathead’s) has kind of changed,” he said.

Jobe said the most enjoyable part of being an activities director is the people he deals with on a daily basis.

“Being able to work with the kids and the coaches, that’s the best part of it,” he said.

“We have some outstanding kids and coaches. Being involved with them is kind of a treat.”