Blake promoted

PALMER -- Brandon Blake has turned one opportunity into another.

Nine years ago Blake received the nod to take over the Palmer High School boys' basketball team and has since turned the Moose into a region champion. Now Blake has another opportunity. The former Moose mentor resigned his position late last week to become the school's activities director.

Blake replaces Jim Simmons, who recently moved to the school's activities principal position.

"It really happened quite fast," Blake said. "I wasn't planning on it this year, but the opportunity presented itself.

"The way I thought about it, I love athletics, I love kids. Its a great job."

Simmons applied for and received the activities principal position, but before Palmer could fill the spot vacated by Simmons, the school had to await the approval of the Mat-Su School District. Until recently, the school district budget did not include funding for the activities director position.

Once the district granted funding for the position, Blake applied for the position and his tenure at Palmer and desire to succeed in the position, according to Simmons, separated him from other candidates. Simmons said Blake possesses the eagerness and willingness to succeed in the position.

The activities directors are responsible for the organization and supervision of the school's activities. In his new position Blake will be responsible for a list of tasks that include scheduling of events, supervision of home events, scheduling of transportation and management of the athletic coaching staff.

Blake said, while he very much enjoyed his duties as a head coach, he has been leaning toward a career in school administration. He said this position will not only allow him to stay involved in activities, but is a solid first step in the move toward administration.

Blake began his career as an assistant to Geno Morgan during the 1994-95 school year. After Morgan left Palmer, Blake was promoted to head coach. During Blake's nine-year run as head coach, Palmer established itself as one of the top teams in Region III. This season Blake guided a senior-laden team to an undefeated record in region play and a Region III title. Blake was named the region's coach of the year for the second time. The Moose fielded a starting lineup of five seniors, all of whom have played for Blake during their four years at Palmer. Three of those seniors recently signed National Letters of Intent to play college basketball.

After a succesful 2004 season, Blake said he was able to step down on a high note. After accepting the position, Blake had a meeting with his team before announcing his decision to the public.

"I love basketball, I love coaching. It is hard to let go," Blake said.

Blake began coaching at the high school level at Chugiak High School, after a run as a high school and college player. While coaching at Palmer High, Blake was also a physical education teacher at the school.

Simmons served as the activities director for five years after succeeding Mike Janecek.

"I really enjoyed the activities director position," Simmons said. "What makes the position is the people involved."

Palmer will now begin a search for a new boys' basketball coach. Simmons said Blake will be missed but the school is confident a candidate can be brought in to continue what has been established.