New athletic director has taken a somewhat unique path to get to Marshall High School

MARSHALL - Jesse Brinks hasn't been an athletic director before. But, being on the sidelines of athletic events for nearly 20 years has prepared him to take such a role at Marshall.

Brinks was named as the new Marshall High School Athletic Director at the start of this month, taking over for the outgoing Nick Dent.

It is the first time being an athletic director for Brinks, who worked as an athletic trainer and classroom teacher for 19 years at Grand Rapids Northview Public Schools.

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Making the jump from athletic trainer to athletic director isn't as unusual as it sounds, according to Brinks.

"I think it's becoming more commonplace," Brinks said. "As athletic trainers, you have a lot of skill sets that kind of correlate with what you do as an AD. You are familiar with all the sports. I have been on the front lines for all the sports over the years and I have seen it all, the good, the bad and the in between. It's just a matter of learning that new role.

"I had a great time in Grand Rapids. I was just looking for a new challenge and this is it."

Brinks graduated from Grand Valley State University and has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University.

He says he is excited about joining a community in Marshall that is passionate about athletics.

"I have found that a lot of people are really invested in what is going on around here with the athletic program," Brinks said. "There is a a lot of history and a lot of pride here at Marshall. And, everyone has been so welcoming here, so it's been a great transition so far.

"Now, just ready to jump into fall sports. Excited about these first events coming up. We have a soccer match this weekend and, of course, our first home football game. That's when all of this, with the new job, will feel more real."

Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter:@billbroderick.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: New athletic director has taken a somewhat unique path to get to Marshall High School