Athletic director presents 'Cardinal way' report, cites rising participation and digital reach

The School City of East Chicago’s athletic director told the board on Tuesday that Cardinal athletics are rebuilding a district brand and expanding participation, while coaches outlined facility needs and program highlights.

Grayen Gordon, identified in the presentation as the district athletic director, said the department’s mission is to “advocate for a strong athletics program that produced well-rounded educational development for our students,” and summarized four pillars—operations, academic success, feeder systems and community engagement—that guide the program.

Why it matters: The athletic program is a high-visibility district function that trustees and community members said reflects on the district’s broader image. Gordon highlighted participation and visibility figures the board can use when weighing future facility or staffing requests.

Gordon told the board the district now offers 21 of 26 IHSAA-sanctioned sports and that “nearly 40% of our students participate in at least one sport.” He said the department has focused on marketing and digital outreach: the new athletics website generated 8,944 visitors this year and Facebook content reached roughly 511,000 views from August through the reporting date.

“The Cardinal way is doing it the right way all the time,” Gordon said, describing an emphasis on consistency and student-centered coaching.

Coaches described season results, rising participation and new programs. Fitness-center director Coach Peterson told the board the district’s weight room is heavily used by students and community members and urged continued investment in the facility: “It is the most used facility in your school district,” he said, and asked for maintenance work and equipment attention.

Coaches reported team successes and inaugural efforts: girls flag football completed its first season; boys basketball was a repeat regional champion; and several students received scholarships and regional honors. Coaches said they are expanding feeder cooperation with middle schools and working to hire more full-time coaches (about 60% of varsity head coaches were district employees).

Board members and coaches also discussed practical constraints: adding sports requires qualified coaches, Title IX balance considerations, and consistent student interest. Gordon said the district surveys students before adding sports and examines staffing and Title IX implications.

What’s next: Coaches requested support for facility improvements (including elevator and field access work), greater staffing stability and continued community engagement to sustain rising interest and competitive scheduling. The board took no formal vote on specific athletics funding at the meeting; the presentation closed with applause and recognition of coaches and volunteers.