Athletic Director Damian Gonzalez will return to the classroom as a freshman P.E. coach after more than a decade of leading athletics.
The decision was motivated by both personal reasons and his desire to reconnect with students and spend more time with family.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to have more time. My daughter is graduating this year, and I want to be able to go visit her and my two sons in college,” Gonzalez said.
Additionally, he is getting married this summer and wants to spend a lot of time with his new bride.
Beyond family, Gonzalez says he has missed the day-to-day interactions with kids and the relationships he builds with students over the course of a trimester. Even though he is excited about his new role, leaving the position will be difficult.
“Any time you walk away from a job, you miss the camaraderie of the people you work with,” Gonzalez said.
Principal Johnathan Penuliar expressed his gratitude for the hard work and dedication Gonzalez has brought throughout his years, not only to athletics but to Poway High as a whole, adding that he showcases what a Titan truly is.
“He has been such a great proponent for everything that has to do with Poway; the next person is going to be filling some really big shoes,” Penuilar said.
The new Athletic Director will be Bryan Mark, who is currently a PE teacher and Girls’ Varsity Soccer coach.
“I’m excited to get started and work with all the coaches and athletes,” Mark said.
Mark’s main reasons for taking on this new position are his love for athletics and new opportunities.
Penuliar, who was in charge of hiring this position, revealed the qualities needed in an Athletic Director.
“We want to make sure the next person has a really great understanding of the ins and outs of high school athletics. It’s really important to know the nuts and bolts work with respect to CIF rules, scheduling, and setting all our student athletes up for success and to continue that Titan pride,” Penuliar said.
Though his role is changing, Gonzalez’s impact on campus will continue, just this time from the gym floor instead of the athletic office
