By HALEY HALL
Sports Editor
With the new year starting Coach Jim Peeples, the men’s head baseball coach, began his position as the new Athletic Director for Piedmont College. Recently, the department announced that Jamie Purdy, the head woman’s basketball coach, and Timmy McCormack, the woman’s soccer assistant coach, will serve at the two assistant athletic directors to aid Peeples in his position.
The Roar: How is being the new Assistant Director of Athletics?
McCormack: It’s been great because of the people I’ve had a chance to work with during my time here at Piedmont. I’ve been very fortunate to work for some great administrators already in Coach John Dzik and Coach Jim Peeples. Our coaching staff is full of wonderful people who have done a wonderful job with their programs.
R: Are you going to do anything different than past years?
M: The work that I’ll be doing will still be whatever needs to get done for our department to host quality home events while meeting our requirements for statistical reporting to the NCAA. While the responsibilities may change, I believe very strongly in working hard at whatever the job may be, so our folks can definitely still count on that from me.
R: How is it working alongside Peeples?
M: I’ve had the chance to work with Coach Peeples before in his capacity as the Associate Athletic Director before he took on his new role, and it was wonderful working with him then as well as now. The responsibilities may increase or change, but he still has a wonderful attitude regarding our department and wants to help everyone succeed. It’s wonderful to have a leader like that in your corner in whatever capacity you spend your time within the athletic department, and I look forward to working with him in the future.
R: How is it coaching and being the AAD?
M: Balance within any job is key, and I believe the factor that you have to control is your time management skills. If you manage your time properly just like our student-athletes do, then the balance is achievable. I greatly enjoy what I’ve been able to do here in my time at Piedmont. I’ve had the chance to work with motivated student-athletes and a great student-worker group. I’m just thankful for having the chance to work with great people, and I look forward to doing that more here in the future.
The Roar: How is being the new Assistant Director of Athletics?
Purdy: I enjoy working for Piedmont College and the Athletic department. We have a great working environment. I am surrounded by co-workers that are easy to work with, making any job more enjoyable.
R: Are you going to do anything different than past years?
P: I am still coaching women’s basketball so that role has not changed. There will be additional responsibilities based on the requests of the Athletic Director and the needs of the department.
R: How is it working alongside Peeps?
P: As mentioned before, we have an amazing work environment. Coach Peeples is great to work for and will continue to lead the department in a positive direction
R: How is it coaching and being the AAD? Is it too much?
P: I am very passionate about basketball. I enjoy working closely with the student-athletes and developing a relationship with the players. I care about them – it goes beyond just coaching basketball. The added responsibility of being an Assistant Athletic Director gives me the opportunity to get more closely involved with all student-athletes. As with anything in life, the additional job responsibilities will require good time-management on my part. I look forward to the challenge.
