For Immediate Release                                                                      Contact Cordell Jordan

July 19, 2006                                                                                              405.587.0232

New Athletic Director Comes to OKCPS

Oklahoma City – As the school year begins August 21, there will be a new face at the helm of Oklahoma City Public Schools athletics. Mark Holderbaum, Vice Principal of Foreign Language Academy in Kansas City, has been tapped as the new athletic director for OKCPS.  Holderbaum, who has compiled almost 20 years of administrative experience in education and athletics, succeeds retiring AD Billy Hurte.

"We have a lot of opportunity and talent in our athletic program in Oklahoma City,” said Holderbaum. “Oklahoma City Public Schools has a rich history in athletics and everywhere I go, people speak highly of the athletic department. It will great to be a part of that.”

Holderbaum joins the distict at a momentous time, with new uniforms and a brand new althletic complex being built at Douglass High School. He started his career in 1988 in Monroe, Louisiana as a social studies and physical education teacher as well as boy’s basketball coach. Holderbaum’s most recent job in athletics was as director of the storied athletic programs at Liberty Public Schools in Liberty, Missouri.

"We are excited about the hiring of Mark Holderbaum," stated Linda Brown, Interim Superintendent. "He will carry us forward with a focus on success for our programs and our student athletes, both on and off the field."

Holderbaum will take over the office on July 31st.

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