Wasilla High School hires activities director

JEREMIAH BARTZ/ Frontiersman sports editor

WASILLA - Wasilla High School did not have to go far to fill a vacancy in its administration.

Paul Cossette, a longtime supporter of WHS activities and the voice of Warrior home athletic events, has been named the new WHS activities director. Cossette replaces Joe Gardner, who plans to return to the classroom after two years in the position.

&#8220I'm pretty fired up about the new challenge,” said Cossette, who is currently an assistant principal at Burchell High School. &#8220I excited to be working more with some folks I have been working with for quite a while.”

Cossette is a regular at most WHS activities. He is the man with the voice that most Wasilla fans can recognize. Cossette serves as the public address announcer for Warrior sports ranging from football to basketball to hockey. His work in prep activities has not been limited to just WHS events. Cossette is also asked regularly to volunteer his time at various state tournaments organized by the Alaska Schools Activities Association.

A history of supporting local activities an experience as an administrator are two of the biggest factors that led to Cossette landing the job, WHS assistant principal Dan Michael said.

&#8220The fact that Paul has administrative experience is something that we are very excited about,” Michael said. &#8220He's very visible in the community. He's been a part of Wasilla activities since I've been up here. He's a good fit.”

Timing proved to be everything for Cossette as he prepares to make the move from Burchell to Wasilla High. Two years ago, when longtime activities director Doug Bean retired, Cossette had considered applying for the job.

&#8220I thought about it, but I also knew there was an opportunity to be an assistant principal (at Burchell),” Cossette. &#8220I have really strong ties to Burchell. It was a real struggle, back and forth. At the time I wanted to stay at Burchell and continue with them.”

When the Wasilla activities director position opened again this spring, coincidentally, Cossette had recently learned that his position at Burchell was being eliminated after this school year. The principal positions at the school are being restructured before next year. Cossette believes the timing was perfect.

&#8220It was meant to be,” Cossette said. &#8220I'm glad I stayed at Burchell, and I'm glad this opportunity came up. I didn't think it would come up this fast.”

Cossette said the move is certainly bittersweet.

Cossette said there will be many similarities between his old job and his new responsibilities, and is looking forward to becoming even more involved with activities.

&#8220It's something that I've always been involved in,” Cossette said. &#8220All levels - student government to sports.”

Cossette said he already has a great working relationship with people such as Michael and WHS activities secretary Cheri Albright, and that will only help his transition.

&#8220Cheri's top notch,” Cossette said. &#8220I'm really looking forward to working with her, and Dan. They've been involved with activities for so long, I will be able to learn about the finer points of the program.”

Cossette's responsibilities as activities director include organizing WHS events, scheduling and overseeing the various coaching staffs at the school.

While Cossette is looking forward to his new challenge, Gardner is looking forward to the opportunity to return to the classroom, and work more with the students.

&#8220He's excited for that opportunity,” Michael said. &#8220He missed that part.”