Holzauer considers first year as Cushing AD a successful one

CUSHING – The final whistle has blown on the 2023-2024 academic year, marking the completion of Scott Holzhauer’s inaugural season as Athletic Director for Cushing High School. After twelve months at the helm, overseeing the full spectrum of Bearkat athletics, Holzhauer reflects on his initial tenure with a sense of accomplishment, acknowledging the strides made while also recognizing areas ripe for future development. His assessment points to a generally positive trajectory for the school's sports programs, with competitive performances and notable progress observed across the board.

Holzhauer's transition into the demanding role of Athletic Director brought with it the challenge of understanding and enhancing an established athletic culture. Throughout the year, Cushing’s various teams demonstrated resilience and dedication. From the fall gridiron battles to the winter court contests and the spring track and field events, Bearkat athletes consistently represented their school with pride. Beyond the win-loss records, Holzhauer emphasized the growth in student-athlete engagement and character development. He highlighted the commitment of coaching staffs in fostering a positive environment where young athletes could not only hone their skills but also learn invaluable life lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. The athletic department focused on streamlining operations, improving communication channels, and ensuring that student-athletes had the resources necessary to excel both academically and athletically.

While the overall sentiment is one of satisfaction, Holzhauer remains a pragmatic leader, keen on continuous improvement. Discussions have already begun concerning potential facility enhancements that could further support Cushing’s athletic ambitions, from practice spaces to game-day venues. He also aims to bolster community involvement, fostering stronger ties between the athletic programs and the local fanbase, ensuring robust support for all Bearkat endeavors. Developing a more comprehensive long-term strategic plan for each sport, focusing on sustainable success and broad participation, is also high on his agenda for the coming years.

Looking ahead, Holzhauer is optimistic about the future of Cushing High School athletics. His first year laid a solid foundation, establishing a clear vision for an athletic department committed to excellence, integrity, and student well-being. The initial success sets a promising precedent, and the Cushing community can anticipate continued dedication to elevating the Bearkat athletic programs under his leadership, striving for even greater achievements in the seasons to come.