Bob Bateman, a veteran teacher at Carson High, took over as athletic director at Carson High School this year.
DM: What is the one thing you didn't know about the athletic director's job that you know now?
BB: There is a plethora of things. The No. 1 thing is the orchestration of the transportation. We have kids, buses and vans going in so many differentdirections. Almost every day we're sending teams, bands and choirs all over the state and West Coast. The transportation issue is enormous.
DM: What is the best thing you like about the job?
BB: It's the kids. It's just fun to see them compete whether they do well or not.
DM: What made you want to be the athletic director?
BB: Athletics has always been a big part of my life. They allowed me to go to college. I like dealing with student-athletes. So many are good kids and students.
DM: If you could change one thing about high school athletics in Northern Nevada, what would it be?
BB: There are many things. I'd like to see kids appreciate the high school experience more. So many kids feel they have to get a scholarship. Only 1 or 2 percent of athletes move on to the next level.
DM: Best football player you ever saw in Northern Nevada?
BB: Oh my gosh, Dave Wyman of Wooster. A lot of people don't know him. He's definitely the best football player. He played basketball and ran track. He was one of the finest competitors.
DM: You went from being a head coach at Carson to being defensive coordinator at Douglas and now you are back as an assistant coach at Carson with Blair Roman. How tough was it coaching against Douglas this year?
BB: It was just as hard as when I coached at Douglas and we played Carson. Mike (Rippee) is my best friend. It was one of those things where you go in and plan to stay a year or two and he wants you to stay one more year. I was very relieved when the game was over. After this year, I don't have any ties with any kids.