New East Ridge A.D. Hinzman 'hitting the ground running'

Right now, Jon Hinzman is a busy man.

Just weeks before the 2012-13 prep sports year begins, Hinzman was hired as the new Activities Director at East Ridge High School.

However, he said he’s not feeling too much pressure – just excitement.

“The thing I’m looking forward to most is meeting people and getting to know people,” Hinzman said. “The start of the school year is coming up quick and the fall sports season kicks off soon. There are a lot of cool things happening in a short amount of time. Everyone should be excited around the area.”

Most recently, Hinzman, 37, was a Principal in the Baldwin-Woodville Area School District in Wisconsin. He has also been an Athletic Director for the Elmwood School District in Wisconsin.

Hinzman currently lives across the border and joked he’s already getting flack about being from the Badger state.

“We’re trying to get settled in as fast as we can. So far, it’s been great,” Hinzman said. “There’s a ton of supportive people. But, on that token, we’re hitting the ground running. There are things to get done. Just because I was hired late, doesn’t mean people will stand back and wait.”

Hinzman is taking over the East Ridge Activities Director job from Trent Hanson, who was hired as an Assistant Principal at East Ridge this past spring.

“Trent Hanson has a lot of great things in place. He’s done an outstanding job,” Hinzman said. “I appreciate his support and being able to talk to him as well as the other administrative staff and coaches and teachers here. Everybody has been very supportive and I’ve been able to use them as resources.”

Hinzman’s background also includes time serving as an assistant principal, special education teacher, and basketball and football coach. He recently completed his superintendent licensure through the University of St. Thomas, adding to his educational specialist (principal) licensure also with St. Thomas, and a Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning, and Bachelors of Science in Special Education.

Of his selection, East Ridge High School Principal Aaron Harper said in a statement: “I am excited to have Mr. Hinzman join the East Ridge staff, larger Raptor community, and District leadership team. His previous experience as a building principal and athletic director will assist him in transitioning to South Washington County Schools and serving our students and families well. Jon embodies the values of excellence, high character and lifelong learning. It became evident throughout the selection process that he enjoys fostering relationships through trust building and transparency.”

Before being hired as Activities Director, Hinzman said he heard “a lot of positive things about East Ridge and the south Washington County School District.”

“There are a lot of great people in the area and it’s a growing community with very supportive people,” he said. “That’s what led me to apply for this position at East Ridge. I think it’s a great opportunity for me to professionally and personally grow and connect with the great students, coaches, athletes, parents and community members.”

Hinzman said he is a person that is “dedicated and committed.”

“I want to see East Ridge be the best of the best,” Hinzman said. “I want to continue to raise the bar. When I hear the words ‘status quo,’ that doesn’t sit right with me.”

But what makes something a success to Hinzman? He said he looks at the start and the finish.

“Whether it’s chess club, bowling or football, are the kids continually doing the work that needs to be done and challenging themselves intrinsically as well as extrinsically to get better every day in different ways? Through that wins and losses will come – hopefully more wins than losses. But, more importantly, is what kind of teams we build,” Hinzman said. “Are we respectful? Are we responsible? Do we take pride in who are? Those are the things that mean success to me.”

Tags: east ridge, sports, raptors, prep, updates