VYPE: When did you take over as AD, and what was your professional background prior to this position?
DL: -I was named the Chickasha Public Schools Director of Activities & Athletics at the August Board of Education meeting for CPS. This is my first year in this position.
However, I have been a Head Football Coach (43-22), Head Wrestling Coach, Asst. Track, Asst. Baseball, Robotics Sponsor, Head Powerlifting Coach, Strength & Conditioning Coach, a variety of positions. I have Athletic Director experience at various sizes of schools prior to becoming a building administrator as an assistant or head principal.
VYPE: What is new in the athletic department, and are there any plans for future developments?
DL: ME!! Seriously though, there is a STRONG tradition here in Chickasha Athletics and so many great things already going on! We have incredible facilities, we are able to provide so many opportunities due to the size of our school and the location of our community, and we have a supportive community. One primary goal is to try to continue to grow and improve our participation numbers, opportunities for players and coaches, and our overall facilities as a District to keep us at the forefront and continue to be a trend-setter with our brand. One “new initiative” this year that we started is our Athletic Intern Program that we started with USAO this year. USAO Students have the opportunity to learn and assist with our Strength and Conditioning programs after a 10 hour training, and they will receive credits toward hours they need for classes. We look to expand the opportunity to business, art, finance,leadership, and other USAO programs to mutually benefit both institutions.
VYPE: Why is community support essential to an athletic department?
DL: Our community is the engine that drives our programs. Our community shows how much they care through the various fundraising efforts or reward opportunities they provide for students and staff. Not only do we appreciate the financial/fundraising support, we also receive so much support in a variety of other forms, such as their presence and fandom! WE have an OUTSTANDING Environment night in and night out, for our athletes and participants on the field, the court, the mat, the diamond, or in the arena, stalls, pens, or floors. We see and appreciate our community. Additionally, time is love. Our families and community are invested in our kids and schools with their time and efforts. We always have people quick to volunteer or help out when needed around CPS.
VYPE: What should parents of incoming freshmen know as their student-athletes prepare to compete at the varsity level?
DL: A couple things. We have opportunities right here in Chickasha!! With all the new rules and moving, we want our kids to feel good about being a “Fightin’ Chick” and PROUD to represent the Purple & Gold as a student participating in one of the many activities or athletic programs that we offer. You don’t need to go anywhere else! We have it right here at HOME! The second thing is that we want each kid and family to KNOW they are cared for and appreciated as a part of our program. Regardless of what role they play!
VYPE: Which community partners and sponsors have supported your student-athletes this season?
DL: We have so many generous sponsors and helpers in Chickasha. One of our major fundraiser programs is our “Purple and Gold” Sponsorship opportunity. John Holt Chevrolet, Lifeline Home Health, Dehart Air Conditioning, Exterior Solutions, CMS Willowbrook, Moley Real Estate, and Tatonka Investments are all a part of this program. We also have many other people, businesses, and restaurants such as Chris Mosely, Bryan’s Car Corner, Napoli’s Italian, Chicken Express, Taco Mayo, Domino’s Pizza, Ben & Jay’s, La Fiesta, Jake’s Rib, and SO many others.
VYPE: Given the changing landscape of high school athletics, what is your perspective on the current state of prep sports in Oklahoma, and how can the experience be improved for students?
DL: There is so much discussion, confusion, and complaining over the NIL, the attendance or transfer policy, you name it. A lot of this is understandable, but the fact is, we have little to no control over many of these issues. The negativity does not help in any way, so what we must do is control what we control. Stay positive, and work to Create and maintain programs that our CHICKASHA kids want to be a part of and are a part of. We need to work to make Chickasha a great place for Chickasha kids! We have the talent and ability right here! We just need to get all of our kids out and make it a great place so we can KEEP our kids here at home!
VYPE: What is the biggest challenge you face as an athletic director in 2026?
DL: I am learning the in’s and out’s of this new position and becoming more comfortable each day.
VYPE: How do you enjoy spending your free time away from school?
DL: I will be married 26 years to my best friend Suni Williamson in May. I love to see my kids and family and just spend time with them. My daughter Adisen is going to be a JR at USAO in Chickasha, where she plays Volleyball, and my son Trajan is going to be a Sophomore at College of the Canyons JUCO in Santa Clarita, CA where he is playing QB for the Football Team.
VYPE: What advice would you give to a first-time athletic director taking over a program?
DL: Be present! Put kids and families first in all you do!!!
VYPE: What is your message to the senior class of 2026, and what would you like returning students to know?
DL: I am so incredibly proud of you! You are right there at the jumping off point for a wonderful adventure in life!!! Treat every day as a gift!!! Understand that each day is what we make of it and all of it matters!!!
And I would like to add a huge shoutout and recognition to and of my Athletic Department Staff & Support Team. Michelle Fleetwood our Athletic Secretary is a staple of our programs. She is instrumental in making it all go! Our Asst. AD’s Jerry & Jace Johnson play a vital role in keeping our programs up and running and Jace does an exceptional job with our social media. Our Baseball Coach Kevin James is our Fall Coordinator and is always dependable to get the work done!! And last but not least JT Cobble is our Midde School Coordinator. He has done an outstanding job stepping into a new position for the district and a new role for him.
I am super thankful for my team
