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Broadsword replaces Schnell as AD
The Advocate
Health and Physical Education Dean Daryle Broadsword took over as the MHCC athletic director Sept. 1, replacing Fred Schnell who held the position from 2006-2009.
The replacement came along with a consolidation of programs.
“There were no discussions about removing Fred Schnell,” said MHCC President John Sygielski in an e-mail Thursday. “Instead, beginning in spring 2009, there were discussions about consolidating Health & Physical Education and Athletics, a model that existed until the late 1990s.”
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Schnell said he had been hearing rumors starting in the spring about the elimination of his position but was uncertain.
“I was not very happy during this time with that possibility,” he said. “ I am disappointed that I was not involved with any discussion and the communication from the administration.’’
According to Schnell, he was notified of the change Aug. 13 when he called Interim Vice President for Student Success & Enrollment Management Robert Frost to come in and introduce himself at a coaches meeting.
“I asked him and he said that I no longer reported to him and that I reported to Daryle (Broadsword),” said Schnell.
Asked about the lack of communication, Frost directed comments to vice president of instruction Larkin Franks and Broadsword and did not want to comment on the matter. Franks was unavailable for comment until next week.
Sygielski said in Thursday’s email, The consolidation of Health & Physical Education and Athletics was discussed with Fred (Schnell). Also, like all Mt. Hood Community College employees, Fred was invited to attend various town hall meetings. Finally, we discussed possible realignments throughout the college for several months.”
Schnell has been a full-time faculty member since joining the school in 1990, as well as serving for a time as the men’s basketball coach. Along the way Schnell, became the associate athletic director in 2003 and became the athletic director in 2006. Since being named athletic director, Schnell has gone on to serve as the men’s NWAACC commissioner.
“I had to work hard to get into an NWAACC chair position,” he said. “ Mt. Hood has always been a leader within the NWAACCs and I wanted to be more involved and a bigger part in the sports program.”
Even with the announcement of Broadsword as athletic director, Schnell said he still wants to stay a part of the NWAACC board. “I would like to stay a part of the NWAACC board if they let me. I still want to be a part of the program.”
As for other members in the sports programs, many are being supportive during the transition.
“Fred has tons of support,” said Jan Sweet, administrative assistant to athletics. “I have known Fred for the 20 years we have been here together. He put his heart and soul into the department. Not having a choice to stay or go, it just makes me sad how he was removed.”
Schnell held a meeting to inform the coaches about his departure from the department.
“When I told them (the coaches), their jaws just dropped,” said Schnell. “They couldn’t believe what happened.”
“Fred earned respect from most of the coaches,” said Sweet. “ He was fair with everybody. He tried to keep a good balance and made sure all the coaches’ needs were met. For Fred, the biggest thing he will miss is the bond between him and the coaches.”
Schnell said, “I will miss my direct relationship with the coaches. They are like my children. I try to give them whatever their needs are. There are people who I hired and now I can’t fulfill what I promised them.”
According to volleyball Head Coach Chelsie Freeman, Schnell has been a part of her career and brought her back to MHCC to coach.
“It was cool for Fred to call me and offer me the position. It is sad to see him lose the position but I also have respect for Daryle. He has been there to help me when I needed it. As for Fred, he was here when I played for Mt. Hood and I will continue to look for guidance from him because he is still part of this athletic department.”
Since the news broke about Schnell being replaced by Broadsword, Schnell has looked at it as an opportunity instead of losing something. Instead of spending time at school he will have opportunities to spend more time with his family and his love for his yard.
“My children said, ‘You will have the best yard on the block,’ because I like to take care of it a lot. But mostly my wife and I will be able to spend more time together,” said Schnell.
Schnell will go back to being a full-time teacher in the health and physical education department.
“Even though I am no longer the AD (Athletic Director), I will still be at all the games we play,” said Schnell.
Broadsword would not discuss the situation until he has an opportunity next week to meet in person.
Sygielski said, “Daryle Broadsword has been a strong supporter of MHCC athletics. He was a successful women's basketball coach, taking them to victory in the mid-1990s. He is well respected in the athletics world and has represented MHCC well.
“He is no stranger to the job as athletic director and working with NWAACC. Daryle provides the passion, enthusiasm and spirit in his support of all athletic programs. In addition, Daryle is innovative and a leader who is well respected by MHCC students and employees. Because of his work in recreation, student services, instruction and administration, Daryle brings a depth of experience that will prove valuable to MHCC athletics. Most importantly, he puts students first. Daryle will continue to support the excellent coaching staff and students and serve as an advocate for scholar-athletes,” said Sygielski.
Sweet said, “Fred gave his all for this program and we need to give him kudos for everything he has done. He will definitely be missed.”
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