The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dereck Rush as the Director of Student Health, Fitness and Athletics on Wednesday, June 26.
Rush, who served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, Texas for the last seven years, will assume the position vacated by Janice Williamson who was recently hired as Bryan ISD’s Executive Director of Athletics, Student Health and Fitness. He is excited to work for Williamson in leading Bryan student-athletes and “beginning a new era in his career.”
“I know that working under the leadership of Janice Williamson will aid me in being a servant leader for Bryan ISD,” Rush said. “I would like to thank Superintendent Dr.Christie Whitbeck, the interview committee and the School board for giving me an awesome opportunity to serve within this district.”
The former All-Southeastern Conference linebacker at Mississippi State University said he is fully committed to the Bryan community, which is one of the many reasons Whitbeck is excited to bring him on board.
“Coach Rush has won multiple coach of the year honors and achieved great success including winning football and basketball state championships as a player,” Whitbeck said. “Beyond his success on the field and court, we are excited about his ability to develop relationships and leaders. I’m confident he will serve as a role model for our students and a fixture in our community.”
About the Hire:
Dereck Rush, Director of Student Health, Fitness and Athletics
Dereck Rush started his high school football coaching career as a Co-Defensive Coordinator/Varsity Defensive Ends Coach at Odessa High School in 2000. He went onto serve on coaching staffs at Midland Christian High School and John Tyler High School, where was named the Head Football Coach and Campus Athletic Coordinator in 2007, overseeing 65 coaches and 1,200 student-athletes. In 2012 he accepted the head coach and assistant athletic director position at Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, overseeing 85 coaches and 1,900 student-athletes.
Rush is an active member in his church where he serves on the member board of directors, is involved in several athletic associations and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His career includes the implementation of character development and community service programs for student-athletes, overseeing construction projects and developing numerous community partnerships.
He earned a Master of Education degree from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University. He also holds a certified athletic administrator certification from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and a teen leadership course certification from the Flippen Group’s Capturing Kids’ Hearts program.
Story courtesy of Bryan I.S.D.