VYPE: When did you take over as AD, and what was your professional background prior to this position?
CJ: I took over as the District Athletic Director in 2021-2022. I had served as the assistant AD for 4 years during my time at Ada. I had been the Athletic Director at Stonewall before taking the job in Ada in 2012-2013.
VYPE: What is new in the athletic department, and are there any plans for future developments?
CJ: We are in the process of getting a new wrestling facility & renovating/updating some of our other athletic facilities.
VYPE: Why is community support essential to an athletic department?
CJ: Community support is essential to the Ada Athletic Department because it strengthens our programs both on and off the field. The community helps with financial support, student athlete motivation, school pride and helps build positive experiences for our students.
VYPE: What should parents of incoming freshmen know as their student-athletes prepare to compete at the varsity level?
CJ: We want all of our parents to know that we are going to set high expectations, demand hard work and love their kids throughout the process.
VYPE: Which community partners and sponsors have supported your student-athletes this season?
CJ: Seth Wadley Chevy, Seth Wadley Ford, McDonalds of Ada, Chick-fil-A, Vintage Drug and the Chickasaw Nation are our top tier sponsors.
VYPE: Given the changing landscape of high school athletics, what is your perspective on the current state of prep sports in Oklahoma, and how can the experience be improved for students?
CJ: To improve the experience, we have to focus on WE! At Ada we promote a WE/me attitude & try to get our kids to buy into a team first mentality. It’s getting harder in today’s landscape that almost promotes individualism. The team will always be stronger than an individual. When you are representing something bigger than yourself, you can achieve things you’ve only dreamt of.
VYPE: What is the biggest challenge you face as an athletic director in 2026?
CJ: For me I think it’s balancing the many demands of this position while continuing to focus on the most important factor… The student-athlete
VYPE: How do you enjoy spending your free time away from school?
CJ: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy recharging on vacations and attending college/professional sporting events.
VYPE: What advice would you give to a first-time athletic director taking over a program?
CJ: Don’t be scared to ask for help & guidance from other athletic directors in the state.
VYPE: What is your message to the senior class of 2026, and what would you like returning students to know?
CJ: My outgoing message to the seniors would be…We are proud of you. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Take the lessons you have learned during your time as a high school athlete and use them in this next stage of your life. Don’t be scared to fail and remember, we are always here if you need us. Go be great!
My message to the underclassmen coming back…Find a way to get 1% better every day, be a great teammate and continue to stack days. Consistency is the mark of a CHAMPION!
