Athletic director reports strong fall participation, emphasizes character and academics

Mike Ward, athletic director, told the Molalla River School District Board on Jan. 9, 2025, that fall athletics saw high participation and community engagement, and that the department’s stated mission emphasizes academics, athletics and character.

Ward said the department’s mission—drawn from a prior improvement plan—aims to “prepare student athletes at Molalla High School to become leaders and champions in life by placing high values on integrity, character, sportsmanship, and victory.” He told the board the department treats academic eligibility as essential: students “can’t participate until you can pass your classes.”

Participation figures Ward reported included about 64 students in football (two teams), roughly 40 in volleyball across three teams, and more than 60 combined participants in boys’ and girls’ soccer. Football finished 4–6 overall after an early 0–4 start and a four‑game winning streak; the team lost in the first round of the playoffs. Volleyball’s record was reported as 4–14 overall with strong community support. Boys’ and girls’ soccer advanced to postseason play; Ward highlighted a penalty‑kick win by the girls against Mazama to advance.

Ward also reported that both cross‑country teams qualified for state competition, with girls placing 8th and boys placing 5th at the state meet. Board members and other directors praised Ward’s outreach to coaches and the community and described the season as evidence of strong buy‑in.

The athletic director said he plans recurring annual updates to the board to review athletics participation, program priorities and community fundraising efforts.