New Los Lunas Schools managers to promote athletics, activities

Los Lunas

Athletic/activity managers have been hired by Los Lunas Schools to help oversee extracurricular activities at the Los Lunas and Valencia High School clusters.

Bill Hays, LLS interim director of athletics, said the two positions have been added by the district to help “promote” not only athletic teams but school clubs.

“We just want to make sure everything is well organized, create equitable access for all our programs,” Hays said.

Former Belen wrestling coach Nick Sanchez will be the manager for LLHS and Los Lunas Middle School. Brett Schram, a longtime teacher at Valencia, is taking the role at VHS and Valencia Middle School.

“It’s necessary to have someone there that kind of embeds themselves into that school, that school culture,” Hays said, calling the managers a “liaison” between himself, school administrators, coaches and club leaders.

With scores of extracurricular activities in each cluster, Hays believes, “It was important to have somebody that could be a go-to for our administration and our coaches that is on site right away for things that come up.”

Sanchez and Schram will be involved in a diverse group of activities, everything from athletics to student council to special events.

Schram, who was a science teacher at VHS, also has a background in sports.

“I used to be involved in athletics as the athletic trainer at Los Lunas High School,” Schram said. “Working with the athletes, and also the different activities at the schools, will be fun.”

Taking over a new position brings a mix of excitement and nerves, Schram admits.

“We’re kind of building it and seeing what all it’s going to involve,” he said.

Schram believes he and Sanchez, who was a physical education teacher at BHS, can take some of the pressure off coaches, club sponsors and administrators.

“I think we can start to increase the amount of activities and athletics that are offered at the school already and get more kids involved,” he said.

“We just want to make sure we’re getting that student experience beyond the classroom,” Hays added. “We’re really looking to enhance our school culture and spirit.”

Previously, athletic secretaries were assigned to both LLHS and VHS, but those positions have shifted to LLS central office as financial athletic specialists.

Hays’ primary duties will remain the same, including scheduling and overseeing coaches and athletic programs.