Cassopolis Public Schools appointed a new athletic director Wednesday after announcing the athletic department officially reached their $18,000 goal, wiping out any possibility of a student athlete fee.

During a special meeting of the board of education at Ross Beatty Junior/Senior High School Wednesday, announced that health and P.E. teacher Matt Brawley, a health and physical education teacher, was named athletic director.

“I’m very excited,” Brawley said after the meeting. “It’s breathtaking to see what the community has done for sports in just nine days.”

Brawley also said the community supporting their students and sports programs makes his job much easier.

No pay to play

Supt. Tracy Hertsel also announced the community donated $18,100 to fill a budget deficit by the athletic department  and thereby putting an early end to a $100 pay-to-play fee for the upcoming school year.

After Cassopolis resident Robert Saxton stepped up and pledged $9,000, the community followed suit.

“After Mr. Saxton’s challenge, it took nine days to reach our goal,” Hertsel said.

“Everyone had a twist, and the community should be commended.”

Acting President Jeremy Carlisle proposed the next meeting will allow the board to amend the motion that instituted the fee.

Donation accepted

Hertsel also announced that after consulting the board’s legal counsel, the Cassopolis Family Clinic’s $3,000 donation was accepted.