In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Richard Kilgore, Superintendent of Bruceville-Eddy ISD and the 2025 THSADA Superintendent of the Year. With 38 years in education — 19 of those as superintendent — Kilgore shares what superintendents are really looking for when they hire an athletic director.

From balancing flexibility and firmness, to understanding why integrity is evaluated long before the interview, to using active listening as a leadership superpower, Kilgore offers practical, real-world insights for athletic administrators at every stage of their career.

Whether you’re preparing for your first AD interview or refining your leadership approach, this conversation delivers tools, perspective, and wisdom you can put into action right away.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor Whataburger a proud supporter of the THSADA.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Coach Mike Bass, a longtime Texas athletic director known for building trust, relationships, and community-centered programs that last.

Coach Bass shares his blueprint for success, covering everything from:

• Leading large-scale facility projects with lasting impact
• Building strong partnerships with architects and stakeholders
• Winning community support before bond elections
• Revitalizing official recruitment through statewide collaboration
• Staying a lifelong learner through peer-led professional development

He also reflects on the power of THSADA Region meetings—why showing up, sharing ideas, and connecting with fellow ADs can lead to better decisions and stronger leadership across the state.

Whether you're a new AD or a seasoned leader, this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world strategies you can apply in your own district.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Spectrum by Watchfire — digital display solutions that transform game-day and community engagement.

In this episode of the THSADA Director’s Cut, we sit down with Dr. Charles Breithaupt, former Executive Director of the UIL and one of the most influential voices in Texas high school athletics.

From humble beginnings in Buna, Texas, to leading a team that managed over a million UIL contests a year, Dr. Breithaupt shares lessons from a lifetime of servant leadership and conflict resolution in one of the largest school systems in the country.

He opens up about the unseen responsibilities of athletic directors, how great leaders build trust before they ever hold a title, and why every game—and every parent—matters.

Topics covered in this episode include: Navigating conflict before it reaches the field, Earning influence when you don’t have authority, Building lasting relationships across districts, and What it really takes to protect and grow school culture.

Whether you're managing a 1A program or a 6A powerhouse, this conversation offers a masterclass in leadership, humility, and the long game.

Presented by PracticePlan.io — the zero-cost online platform that streamlines and automates your facility scheduling and rental process. Save time. Generate revenue. Schedule smarter.