By Devin Bloomfield
Athletic director Bill Pierce has worked in the educational system for the past 41 years, both as a teacher and athletic director. Throughout his long term Pierce has met many students and teachers that he adores and respects. This year was Pierce’s last and he is more than excited to retire, even though he said he will miss his “dysfunctional family” here at FC.
“I will miss all the people I have gotten to work with these past 15 years. We are like our own little dysfunctional family. I have grown to trust them and I am proud to be able to call them ‘my people’,” said Pierce.
Though he will miss the job, Pierce plans on enjoying his retirement.
“I have been going to school since I was five years old and I could probably work until I am 70, but it just gets tiring sometimes and it is time for me to go. I will be seeing my grandchildren a lot and still come back and watch some games. I do not really have a set plan, though. I have had a great time here though and I am proud of what this school has become,” he said.
Taking his place next year will be Jeff Cerqueira, who is currently at Charlestown Middle School as an assistant principal. He has been there for the past 12 years. Along with his administrative experience, Cerqueira also has been the assistant baseball coach here for 15 years. Cerqueira is not only going to be the athletic director, but he is also going to be an assistant principal.
Pierce said Cerqueira’s connection with FC will be an asset as he steps into his new position next year.
“Jeffrey has always been a part of the Floyd Central community, so I am really pleased to keep this job in the family,” said Pierce.
The application process for this position was extremely long and detailed. According to principal Louis Jensen, there were 35 applicants, of which 13 were interviewed. The last three finalists spent a day at FC to shadow and observe the school.
“He will be doing more on the teaching side of things because of his administrative background, but I am excited that he was the one to get the job,” said Jensen.
Cerqueira graduated from FC, taught at Scribner and Hazelwood Middle Schools, and now is at Charlestown Middle School, so he has an extensive background already in this school district.
“Jeffrey is really excited and gung-ho about the new position. There are a lot of people that will be here to support him in the beginning so that he becomes comfortable with the work,” said Pierce.
Pierce said that despite his retirement, he would still help with the transition in the athletic department.
“I consider Jeffrey one of my own and I will be more than happy to come back and help him in the beginning,” said Pierce.
Jensen said that Cerqueira will begin July 14 and at that time he will just be getting familiar with the system and people he will be working with.
“Because this is a new position, tying two into one, it will take some getting used to, but Jeff is the man for the job and we are all excited to bring him back here,” said Jensen.