Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District has selected Mr. Austin Cole as the district’s 7–12 Activities Director following an extensive search and screening process.
Mr. Cole has served as Interim Activities Director since January and has been a member of the Waverly-Shell Rock High School staff since 2018. He was selected from a field of more than 30 applicants through a comprehensive interview process that included district administrators, board representatives, coaches, activities sponsors, students, and parents.
To support the selection process, the district also invited Iowa Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame member Jim Boehmer to serve on the screening and interview team.
“We intentionally designed a process that brought multiple perspectives to the table,” said Brady Weber, Waverly-Shell Rock High School Principal. “Austin distinguished himself throughout the process. His leadership, character, and deep understanding of student activities made him the clear choice among a very strong group of candidates.”
Cole’s background includes extensive coaching and teaching experience across Iowa and South Dakota. He has served as a teacher at Waverly-Shell Rock High School since 2018 and previously taught at Dakota Valley High School in South Dakota and Tipton High School in Iowa. His coaching experience includes roles with varsity football, varsity basketball, boys golf, and middle school football.
A 2011 graduate of Wartburg College, Cole earned a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education and played football for the Knights from 2007 to 2010. He also holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of South Dakota.
Boehmer said the search process revealed a clear leader for the position.
“The district put together a professional process that could serve as a model for schools as they worked to find a true leader for the activities department,” said Boehmer. “Their willingness and desire to involve the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association, student leaders, coaches, and directors while collecting input from parents was an impressive process that led us to Austin.”
Weber added that Cole’s leadership approach aligns well with the district’s focus on supporting student growth through athletics and fine arts.
“Austin understands that extracurricular activities play an important role in helping students develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership,” Weber said. “He brings a strong sense of responsibility to the role and a genuine commitment to supporting coaches and students as they represent Go-Hawk pride.”
“I’m honored to continue serving the Waverly-Shell Rock community in this capacity,” said Cole. “Our student-athletes, coaches, and activities sponsors work incredibly hard, and I’m excited to support their efforts as we continue building strong programs that represent our schools and our community with pride.”