Skyline’s athletic department has faced some challenges early in the 2023-24 school year. The program lost both its athletic trainer and its athletic director prior to the Winter Sports season, leaving student-athletes and coaches in a strange position. Luckily for the Spartans, a new athletic director came to the rescue, and he intends to lead the department in the best direction possible.
Gary Mogg began his new position in mid-November 2023 but is no stranger to being involved in Skyline sports. In addition to his three sons graduating from Skyline, Mogg has been the boys’ varsity golf coach for five years. With 109 coaches and 786 student-athletes at Skyline, he has a lot on his plate but isn’t backing down to the challenges that arise.
“People think I’m just sitting in my office watching sports, but I keep track of who is eligible and help enforce KingCo WIAA rules as well as Skyline rules and help with educating coaches.”
Mogg mentioned that starting the job midseason last year has been the biggest hurdle thus far but is excited and determined to help support student-athletes in every sport at Skyline.
Mogg often works behind the scenes and many students don’t get to see or know the extent of his job, but he plays a critical role in Skyline sports. Eligibility among players and coaches is a big concern for the athletic director. Mogg must keep as many students in their games and sports as possible by keeping them aware if any infractions get in the way of eligibility. Class attendance is one major struggle for students’ ability to participate in their sport along with grades. The position is also responsible for coaches completing educational courses and certification in first aid.
Mogg feels “so blessed to have this opportunity to have an impact on the student-athletes and so many amazing coaches” and acknowledged Skyline’s great athletic reputation. The goal is to build on what the program already has and take it to an even higher level. His dedication has, and is bound to continue to lead Skyline athletics in a great direction.
