ABOUT US & THE POSITION

Rockhurst High School, a Roman Catholic, non-profit, college preparatory school for young men sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), in Kansas City, Missouri, seeks an enthusiastic and visionary leader to serve as Head Varsity Wrestling Coach who will start in November 2025.  As the Head Varsity Wrestling Coach, this individual will build on Rockhurst High School’s rich tradition of development, coordination, and execution of the school’s wrestling program as it relates to educational-athletics, formation, and interscholastic competition. The Head Varsity Wrestling Coach is hired by and reports to the Athletic Director.

Rockhurst High School is committed to achievement, faith, leadership, and service.  Rockhurst High School’s mission is to serve the greater Kansas City area by educating Ignatian leaders, “men for others,” in the Roman Catholic, Jesuit college preparatory tradition.  In the spirit of Saint Ignatius Loyola, its goal is the formation of the whole person within a diverse and disciplined environment, as one who is open to growth, strives for academic excellence, is religious, loving, and committed to justice through service.  Its vision is to be sought out and recognized for its ability to educate “men for others.”  Rockhurst High School will, in the Jesuit tradition, foster lifelong friendships based on enduring principles and Ignatian values. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: The following list of responsibilities is not exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the president and/or principal or his designee.

• Use a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and improve the abilities of student-athletes.
• Manage and supervise athletic activities, contests and practice sessions to promote individual’s growth and athletic skills, teamwork, discipline, respect and good sportsmanship.
• Work with other members of school staff to plan and put in place instructional goals and objectives to ensure the overall educational development of student-athletes.
• Ensure that all wrestling coaches work together toward a common goal within the wrestling program.
• Establish performance criteria for competition and evaluate students’ athletic abilities initially and on a regular basis.
• Take all necessary precautions to protect student-athletes, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Promote a culture within the program that is consistent with Rockhurst’s faith formation and development of “men for others” under the auspices of the Rockhurst Mission and Vision.
• Monitor and enforce student eligibility criteria for co-curricular participation.
• Work with the athletic department in scheduling competitions and practices.
• Participate actively in the Rockhurst athletic department and school’s evaluation programs for coaches and educators.
• Instruct and advise students on NCAA and other collegiate associations with regard to academic requirements for scholarships and recruiting practices.
• Manage all pertinent MSHSAA materials, eligibility forms, transfer forms, grade reports and ensure that the MSHSAA and Rockhurst athletic department guidelines are followed.
• Encourage sportsmanship-like conduct in all phases of athletic participation and promote multi-sport participation when possible.
• Establish and maintain open communication with parents, students, administrators, teachers and athletic directors.
• Maintain a current inventory of all fixed assets within the program.
• Oversee the process of cleaning, repairing, and storing all campus wrestling athletic equipment.
• Annually establish and meet performance goals.

REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of coaching techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of Missouri State High School Activities Association’s rules and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to instruct and supervise athletes
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently, using good judgment
• An equivalent combination of experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics consistent with the required skills

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field of Rockhurst employment
• Previous varsity head coaching experience is preferred, but not required
• Understanding and/or openness to understand of the Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality

This position is defined as a stipend position but the preference is if there is a teaching position that can be associated with this that would be desired.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES AND NOMINATIONS:

1. A statement of interest describing how your skills, knowledge, and experience match the responsibilities articulated herein and specifically answering the following questions:
1. What do you think an effective coach looks like in terms of actions and attitude?
2. What is your experience in integrating faith and character-development into the formative mission of athletics and the Mission of Rockhurst High School?
3. What are your key focus points for player development within a season, a school year, a high school career?
4. Rockhurst is a school environment of competing goods where many members of the community are involved in rigorous academics, co-curricular activities (sports and clubs), service, faith and social lives - how would you engage in this culture to add value to the overall formative experience of student-athletes?
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Rockhurst Application for Employment - Teaching Positions, which is located on the school website www.rockhursths.edu under the About Us - Job Opportunities page or can be found at this HERE (if you are not currently employed at Rockhurst High School)
4. List of at least three (3) references including complete contact information and a description of the relationship to the applicant. References will not be contacted without the permission of the applicant.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

Screening of submitted applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the Search Process. 

Only electronic submission of applications and correspondence will be accepted. Please send all required documents to Tom Kruse, athletic director, hr@rockhursths.edu  by May 1, 2025.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Rockhurst High School is an ADA-compliant institution.  For further details, please contact Mrs. Jonna Brandel hr@rockhursths.edu, Human Resource

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Rockhurst High School is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, national origin, or disability in accordance with applicable laws.