During his time in the Catasauqua school system, Dave Troxell always was intrigued by the role of athletic directors and thought it could be a profession for him someday. He was also encompassed by the field of education as parents Frank and Pat were lifelong educators, his father serving a term as Catasauqua's high school principal.

"I remember when Bill Kennedy was the athletic director and I used to watch what he did," said Troxell. "I used to think it would be something I would like to do, but I never really seriously thought about it."

Several years later, Troxell's initial musings were firmly cemented. When former athletic director Tom Moll resigned to take the same position at Nazareth, Troxell was again fascinated with the possibilities. Monday night at the school board meeting, Troxell began a new chapter in his life as he was named Catasauqua's new athletic director.

"It has been a whirlwind couple of days," said Troxell. "I know I have a lot to learn about the job, but being helped by Tom (Moll) will be a huge help. He (Moll) is one of the finest ADs in the area as well as the state.

"We grew up together and played sports in school together. Being with him will certainly make the transition easier."

If there was one drawback to accepting the position, it was the fact that Troxell would have to step down as head girls' basketball coach, a position he returned last year after an earlier stellar career as the head girls' hoops mentor. A teacher for the past 21 years and lately in eighth grade, Troxell will likely teach a class at the high school.

"That's the unfortunate part," referred Troxell to the coaching position. "I was hoping I would be able to coach, but there are too many responsibilities. I had just returned to coaching and wanted to see it through.

"After the summer, I really believe the team is on the verge of turning the corner. But I will be there cheering them on."

Troxell and his wife, Gretchen, attended the school board meeting Monday and were approached by Moll afterwards and he informed Troxell of some duties when he began his first day Tuesday.

"I had to go to a printer and then to a rental car company to reserve a truck we use to carry equipment for the football games. Wednesday, I had to go to a Colonial League meeting. It is much more than just scheduling and showing up for games.

"But it is something that I am looking forward to."

Some of Troxell's early initiatives will be to have the athletes become more involved with the area's youth program as well as foster further participation on both the junior and senior high levels.

"We need more high school athletes to help with the youth programs being leaders and coaches," said Troxell. "It is important for the older athletes to show the younger ones how to be good citizens and leaders. We want to keep building a solid team format.

"I also encourage athletes to play two or three sports. When I coached, I told the girls that I didn't mind if they played field hockey, softball, or ran track.

"Both of those ways can show good school spirit and cooperation as well."

However, Troxell simply can boil down all of the duties to the basic well being of the athletes.

"I know I will enjoy this challenge," said Troxell. "But it is really about being there and doing things for the kids. We want them to play hard, learn to compete, and make it a positive experience. Athletics is about those types of things and learning some of life's lessons along the way."