Ankeny Assistant Principal Named New Athletic and Activities Director

Assistant Principal Matthew Blackmore will be joining the district's athletic and activities staff at the beginning of next month.

Effective July 1, Blackmore will become director of athletics and activities. He will join current director Kevin Biggs, who will begin focusing his efforts on the doubling of athletic programs in anticipation of the opening of Ankeny Centennial High School in August 2013.

“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to move AHS athletics and activities forward, and am excited about this challenge,” Blackmore said in a release issued by the district. "Mr. Biggs and I will work closely together to ensure that we are well positioned to have two outstanding extra-curricular programs.”

Blackmore joined the district in 2009 and has been an assistant principal at AHS for those three years.

Prior to joining the staff, Blackmore was an assistant principal with Plainfield North High School and Plainfield High School in Illinois from 2006-09, and the Plainfield North Dean of Students from 2005-06.

He taught special education before he was an administrator.

During his career, Blackmore has coached football and was a NFL junior player development counselor and coach in Plainfield. He also has experience as a strength and conditioning coach and as a Special Olympics coach.

Biggs said Blackmore will be a wonderful addition to the athletics and activities department.

“His experiences as both a collegiate athlete and coach, while also being a very approachable and creative leader, have provided him the necessary skills to hit the ground running on July 1," Biggs said in the release. "This position will certainly be a new challenge for him, but we’re confident that he has the tools to help lead this department as we move towards the transition."