An assistant athletic director is a high-level administrative position, often serving as the second-in-command. They are responsible for daily operations, budgets, compliance, and event logistics within the school’s sports department.
At Huntley High School, this position is held by Curtis Nunnery. Nunnery stepped into this role at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Previously, he spent 10 years at both Emmett Till Academy and Walter Payton College Prep as the head athletic director.
At these schools, he learned how to support students who don’t have much support outside of school, as well as how to lead in a school that is more academically focused.
While his weeks are never quite the same, Nunnery has established some routines to ensure stability within the school’s athletic department.
“Mondays, for example, I always make the schedule for the week, and I put that up on the TVs around school,” Nunnery said. “I also make sure to send out to all of our people who are working, just a reminder of their assignments that I sent to them at the start of the season.”
On the day-to-day, Nunnery said, “I do a lot of data. It’s always a lot of communication that has to happen for our different activities, making some communication with the leaders of those activities, things that we need from them opportunities we have to present to them for things to do.”
“He approaches each day with a calm, steady presence and is always approachable. Whether we are discussing schedules, problem-solving, or simply checking in, he listens thoughtfully and responds with respect and professionalism. His demeanor helps create a collaborative and supportive work environment,” said Rita Castans, the head athletic director.
In his move from athletic director to assistant athletic director, he has found that this position has led him to less stress and a lighter workload. Going into the job, he knew what he would need to get done and how to do it.
With this smooth transition, he was led to prioritize how he would fit into the previously set systems of HHS Athletics and how everything is operated.
“Mrs. Castans has been incredible; she is helping me understand the systems and what needs to be done,” said Nunnery. “I think we work really well together, making sure we are setting up young people to succeed, giving them opportunities, giving our coaches what they need to be able to help the young people succeed.”
As a former high school football and track athlete himself, Nunnery finds it very important that students understand how much he values and wants to help them.
“I think it’s really important for students to know that while I’m not coaching or teaching them, I care about them, and I want to see them succeed. That’s why I show up for them, being present, for their competitions, [and] their practices,” said Nunnery.
Additionally, he also serves as the HHS activities coordinator.
“The biggest focus this year is really trying to streamline our activities,” principal Marcus Belin said.
Nunnery prioritizes creating schedules that work with students, striving to provide them with the best of what they want.
“I do a lot of emailing to all of our activity sponsors. I’ve tried to check in so far on all of our groups. I communicate whenever they’re trying to run a fundraiser or throw an event. I’m the one who coordinates that. I make sure all the paperwork is in, all the spaces are reserved, things like that,” said Nunnery.
Nunnery’s goals for his role expand beyond sports; he wants all clubs to receive the recognition they deserve.
“One thing that I’m trying to do for the activities is shine a light on them. I’ve been trying to post more on our social media platforms. I have added activities to the breakfast of champions, and during the winter pep rally, activities were
introduced.” Mrs. Price, math team coach, said, “[Nunnery] has created more clear lines of communication for the needed materials to get the [math] club up and running each year, like fees and forms. He also has advocated and added clubs/activities to the breakfast of champions each month, and we have already honored one of our math team students!”
His clear communication, attention to detail, dependability, and can-do attitude make him a great addition to the Huntley High School staff.
