LONGMONT — While Marty Tonjes was making his sales pitch, and then patiently awaiting the fate of his next career step, Tonjes decided to do a little investigating.
Everything he uncovered only made Tonjes even more excited about the vacant athletic director position at Silver Creek High School. Not only was Tonjes lured by the impressive level of success the Raptors have enjoyed throughout its athletic programs, but the ancillary details — the community, the highly active parent groups, the administration — only heightened Tonjes’ interest.
As it turns out, Tonjes will be getting well acquainted with those groups in the near future. On Monday, Silver Creek principal Erick Finnestead announced that Tonjes has been hired as the school’s new athletic director/assistant principal.
Tonjes, who spent the past nine years working at his alma mater of Horizon High School, replaces Phil Borchelt, whose contract was not renewed following the 2011-12 school year.
“The biggest aspect that impressed me was the community,” Tonjes said. “I did my research on the school and the community. I looked real hard at everything and I love what the school stands for in the striving for excellence. I talked to a few people familiar with the school and everyone had nothing but great things to say. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”
Tonjes served as the Dean of Students at Horizon, yet he also boasts an extensive coaching background. Tonjes spent the past nine seasons at the Hawks’ JV boys basketball coach, and he also has served as an assistant for the girls basketball and baseball programs.
Additionally, Tonjes comes with a wealth of experience in matters as wide-ranging as budget planning to tournament organizing.
“He’s had a significant level of loyalty for with the district he’s been in, and that certainly was impressive,” Finnestead said. “His references spoke extremely highly of his ability to connect with the kids. He’s been a part of some very well respected basketball and baseball programs at Horizon. He really has a large and varied scope of experience at the high school level.”
Finnestead said he received about 40 applicants for the position. From there, the school’s search committee — which included students, parents, coaches, and other Silver Creek administrators — whittled the group down to 11 before ultimately settling on four finalists. Tonjes’ vast experience ultimately left him as the last applicant standing.
“We cast a wide net to the folks that we brought in,” Finnestead said. “One of the things that really impressed me about him was that he said, ‘If it’s my kids, they’re going to have an instrument and an activity.’ He truly has a passion for the profession and his job. We’re very lucky to have him.”
During Borchelt’s eight-year run, the Raptors won three team state titles (2008 girls soccer; 2008 boys swimming; 2011 boys golf). Tonjes will be tasked with sustaining that impressive level of success.
“I want to get right into the school and meet all the wonderful coaches, sponsors, and directors,” Tonjes said. “There are many great support groups in place and I’m looking forward to the challenge of keeping Silver Creek at a competitive level throughout the state.”
Follow Pat Rooney on Twitter: @prooney07
