Dave Fontaine has submitted his resignation as athletic director at Española Valley High School after three years at the school.
“When I was hired I made the commitment that if it was a good fit I’d stay three or four years,” Fontaine said.
During Fontaine’s tenure, Española Valley has experienced unprecedented athletic success. The Española boys basketball and wrestling teams have won three consecutive District 2AAAA championships. The girls basketball team won its first District 2AAAA championship in the school’s history and the softball team has won two consecutive district championships. The 2006 volleyball team played for the Class AAAA state championship.
Fontaine’s departure coincides with the resignation of Española School District Superintendent David Cockerham. Both administrators’ last day is set for June 30.
Cockerham had encouraged Fontaine to apply for the athletic director position in 2006. The two had worked together in the Zuni School District where Fontaine had been a principal and Cockerham the superintendent.
Fontaine, who had received a Sportsmanship Award from the New Mexico Activities Association, indicated when he started that one thing he would like to see was for someone from Española receive a Sportsmanship Award. That goal was achieved last season, when Española softball coach Robbie Garcia was honored with a Sportsmanship Award. This year, Española tennis coach Wendell Barnett became the second winner of a Sportsmanship Award from Española.
“One thing that I’ve been pleased with is how people have responded to the sportsmanship initiative,” Fontaine said.
Española Valley High School fans’ sportsmanship was recently called into question after some fans threw debris onto the court in the Pit following the Sundevil basketball team’s loss in the state semifinal game. The Association has not announced any sanctions against the school.
Fontaine also introduced the awarding of “Victory with Honor” shirts to selected fans and students during halftime of basketball games. He also instituted the awarding of Sundevil Plaque to three athletes of every boys and girls varsity sport at Española. He oversaw 15 athletic and activities programs and 27 teams.
“I pride myself on my work ethic,” he said.
Fontaine indicated he hopes to spend more time with Mary, his wife of 42 years, and his six grandchildren. He also looks forward to riding his bicycle in Albuquerque, where he lives. Fontaine would commute from Albuquerque and only had time to ride his bike on weekends and he felt he wasn’t getting the exercise he needed
“I can’t be just a weekend warrior,” he said.
Fontaine indicated that it had been an honor and a privilege to serve at Española Valley High School his resignation and that he considers his time spent here “among the best experiences he has had.”
Cockerham said the District will begin advertising for the position this week.
Fontaine is paid an annual salary of $81,000.