Mary Jo Zadow Named Onekama AD

by Dylan Savela
Manistee News Advocate Sports Writer
Published: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

ONEKAMA — There’s a fresh feel to the upcoming sports season at Onekama High School.

A few new coaches and a sparkling gymnasium, not yet christened by sporting events, will help shape this new era of Portager athletics.

One of the key positions to Onekama sports has also been filled. However, she’s anything but new to the program.

Mary Jo Zadow has been named Onekama’s new athletic director, after Duane Keith’s resignation was announced this summer.

Early in her teaching career, Zadow, who has been part of the Onekama school system since 1981, coached a plethora of Portager teams including junior varsity girls basketball, varsity volleyball and middle school cheerleading. And since the golf program’s inception in 1993, Zadow has been the only head coach, and will continue to be in the 2011 season.

But with her new role as AD, she’ll now have a hand in all sports — a responsibility she’s certainly looking forward to.

“I’ve always been a sports enthusiast since the time I was a kid,” Zadow said. “So, it was just a good fit. And it gives me an opportunity to return to the school in the fall, and maintain contact with the students and fellow coaches and athletes.

“I think Onekama has enjoyed a very good rapport between our athletes and our coaches, while having fantastic community support, and now with our new gymnasium, we’ve been given an opportunity to host district tournaments,” she added. “I look forward to being a part of that. Without a doubt, it’s very exciting.”

Zadow officially retired from the classroom two school years ago, but while teaching on a part-time basis and continuing to be the varsity golf coach, she’s still been very much a part of Onekama.

Her familiarity will be very beneficial as athletic director, said Kevin Hughes, the Onekama Consolidated Schools superintendent.

“In most cases, if we can get someone on staff in any position like this, it’s a plus,” Hughes said. “She’s been a coach in our district her entire career. She’s well versed in not only the coaching, but she’s highly organized, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Zadow plans to rekindle an already strong support for sports among the community.

“I’d like to pick up where Duane Keith left off,” she said. “My hope is to renew parent meetings with coaches on the onset of seasons. I’d like to also reestablish inventory accounting for each sport. And I hope to attend and work closely with our booster club.

“There’s a passion for sports in the school system, and I’m excited to play a role in that.”

All Sports at Onekama 2010-2011