Meet the new Athletic Director, Mr. Aaron Bunel. Bunel has been an Athletic Director for roughly 8 years, and previously worked in the Thomaston School District. While at Thomaston, he was originally a teacher and eventually started working as a teacher, as well as an Athletic Director. Growing up, he played many sports, including: basketball, soccer, baseball, and golf. He genuinely enjoys all sports, which is why he wanted to become an athletic director. “Having the opportunity to have a full time job centered around sports was exciting to me,” stated Bunel. Having been both an Athletic Director and teacher, he is able to understand the importance of education, but also sees that athletic opportunities are just as valuable, and can teach key skills that can later be used throughout a student’s life. 

Being the new Athletic Director has been exciting for Bunel, as he is enthusiastic to keep up with each of the sports. However, it has also been, “very demanding with trying to keep up with the needs of athletes and coaches.” The transition to Watertown has been great, and Bunel states that, “everyone has been very nice and has been patient with me learning the ways around the school.” Being the new athletic director, he has both short and long term goals he hopes to accomplish. Some of his short term goals are getting to know everyone in the community and ensuring that fundamental needs are being met for each program to ensure smooth and successful seasons. His long term goals are doing whatever he can to support coaches and athletes and raise the excellence for the sport teams. Currently, he doesn’t have any major changes planned for the athletic department since he is still learning how things are being done at the high school. In the future, if he believes a change needs to be made, he will make one, but as of right now, he feels the athletic department is working well. Bunel believes that, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” He will keep this mindset while working in the athletic department. 

Being the new Athletic Director, Bunel wants to ensure that each student athlete has the best experience they can have in their athletics. Some advice he has for students is to “Enjoy each moment and cherish each memory, as the 4 years playing sports will be the best years, and when it is over it is truly over,” Another piece of advice for student athletes is to, “Never get too high when you win or too low when you lose.” Bunel is an overall fan of sports and athletics, and is a great addition to the Watertown community.