New Whitnall Athletic Director Happy to be Back

When Rick Elertson left the two years ago to become an associate principal at a Franklin middle school, he said he wouldn’t be surprised if someday he’d be back.

It didn't take too long for that to happen.

On July 25, the Whitnall School Board approved his hiring as the athletic director and associate principal, . His first day was Monday.

“From the day that I came here as a teacher, I was very attracted to the small town feel of the Whitnall district,” Elertson said. “I’ve really come to enjoy this community a lot and I enjoy the kids. There’s an easiness to the area – Franklin, Greenfield, Hales Corners, New Berlin. It’s its little unique entity right in the middle of it all.”

Elertson, 38, taught in the Milwaukee Public School system for four years before teaching four years of eighth grade United States history at . During that time, he also was an assistant varsity football coach and the head freshman coach.

He spent the last two years as an associate principal at Forest Park Middle School in Franklin, where he also handled the school's athletic programs.

Elertson said his previous experience in Whitnall should lead to a smooth transition into his new position.

“I’m pretty exited to be here,” he said. “It’s nice from the operation standpoint. I know who to go to with some of the questions I have. There’s trust and respect that you have to develop with students, but the junior class is the last class of eighth-graders I taught so I know many of them already.”

Elertson, who is undaunted by the fact that he has approximately three weeks from his start date until the start of the fall athletic season, said one of his long-term goals will be to rid Whitnall athletes of the mentality of sport specialization.

“I hope to break through that barrier with our coaching staff,” Elertson said. “We need to work together on this. We’re not a big enough school to have kids specialize in one sport and for us to be successful. We have to maximize the talent.”

Elertson also expressed excitement about the plans for , a project that was just in its infancy and discussion phase when he left.

“As a school district, every thing we do sends a message,” he said. “What kind of message are we sending with these facilities? It’s going to get people to move into the area. It gives us a sense of pride. It’s something to hang their hat on, which is nice.”

As associate principal, Elertson will be in charge of student disciplinary issues and the supervision and evaluation of staff.