Principal to Recommend New KHS Athletic Director

likely will see an experienced football and basketball coach with a proven track record take the reins as the school's new athletic director.

KHS principal Mike Havener will recommend that the Kirkwood School Board approve the hire of Corey Nesslage to fill the position formerly held by Jeff Townsend effective July 1. Townsend will step into the role of assistant principal for the class of 2016.

Havener will present the recommendation to the board at its next meeting April 16, according to a statement from the released Tuesday.

About Corey Nesslage

Nesslage now serves as assistant athletic director, physical education teacher and assistant varsity football coach for Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS). Prior to joining MICDS, Nesslage served as a business teacher, head varsity girl’s basketball coach and head varsity football coach at St. Charles High School from 1999-2007 where he led the programs to conference, district and state playoff championships.

He also has experience at the collegiate level on and off the field. A graduate of Lindenwood University, Nesslage was a starting quarterback for the college for three years and coached Lindenwood's offensive line for one year, according to his MICDS biography. 

Nesslage holds a bachelor of arts degree in physical education with an emphasis in sports management and a master of arts degree in education administration from Lindenwood University. 

His professional and community affiliations include memberships in the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA) and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). Professional achievements and honors include being named International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) Coach of the Year and being recognized as a NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator.

The selection of Nesslage to join KHS was the result of a collaborative process that involved students, parents, staff and administrators, according to the Kirkwood School District.

“Corey has a blended background as a classroom teacher, coach and administrator for both public and private schools," Havener says in the statement. "I look forward to Corey becoming part of a collaborative partnership, centered on enhancing the athletic programs at Kirkwood High School and serving the students, teachers, coaches, parents and community."

Editor's Note: This article has been corrected to reflect Jeff Townsend's position at Kirkwood High School.