By Mike Wertman<br><a href="mailto:mike.wertman@journal-register.com">E-mail Mike</a>
MIDDLEPORT — Over the past three decades John Jablonski has worn a variety of hats for Roy-Hart’s sports program and now he wears an important new one — that of the Rams athletic director.
A native and resident of Medina, Jablonski was recently appointed to the position by the board of education following the resignation of Brad Halgash who has taken the position of athletic director at Tonawanda High School.
“Roy-Hart has been very good to me over the years and I feel I owe them something. I want to give something back to Roy-Hart,” Jablonski said. “I’ve always worked well with the coaches, administrators and the kids and this is something I’ve thought about doing.”
A running enthusiast himself, Jablonski served as a long-time assistant and then for six years as the head coach for Roy-Hart’s boys and girls track squads which both captured Niagara-Orleans League titles. He also coached the Lady Rams varsity field hockey team for over 20 years building the program into a contender for the N-O title which Roy-Hart won in 2004. In addition, he has coached modified basketball and has refereed basketball.
“I’ve seen a lot of smiles on kids faces over the years and that’s what it’s all about,” said Jablonski.
“I think John is an outstanding choice,” said Roy-Hart girls varsity basketball coach Don Baker. “He’s been here a long time and knows how everything works. He knows the kids and works well with them. I think he’ll do a real good job for us.”
“John is well liked by the kids and staff and is very visible,” agreed Roy-Hart girls varsity soccer coach Dottie Barr. “His coaches will help him and I think he’ll fit right into the position. I think he’ll do fine. He really works well with the kids.”
The board approval is for the remainder of the school year and Jablonski will continue his duties as an art teacher.
“I’m taking it one day at a time and all the coaches and the other A.D.’s in the league have been great when I’ve had any questions,” said Jablonski, who added with a smile that “there have been some challenges to my computer skills.”
“I’ve found energy,” added Jablonski of his enthusiasm for the new position. “I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill in this position. I want to do it right and the kids are going to come first.”
