Los Lunas Schools lifts interim tag for director of athletics

LOS LUNAS — After nine months, the interim tag has officially been removed from his title, leaving William “Bill” Hays as the permanent Los Lunas Schools director of athletics.

“It means a great deal to me, having the interim tag lifted,” said Hays, a long-time district employee. “It’s a professional and personal milestone for me.”

Hays took over the position on an interim basis in December when Wilson Holland announced his retirement after 15 years. In the following eight months, Hays says he has seen the dedication of coaches, the administration, along with the students and their families.

The experience so far has been an education.

“I learned there are a lot of moving pieces to athletics,” he said.

Moving forward, Hays wants to “grow opportunities for our student-athletes — build a supportive environment and really make it a source of pride for everybody at LLHS, VHS along with our middle schools.”

Hays thanked the LLS administration for its support, specifically Superintendent Susan Chavez and Andrew Saiz, assistant superintendent.

“Being entrusted with this leadership position is a great honor,” he said.