By Kevin Eickman
Matt Faulkner is stepping into his role as Athletic Director
At the beginning of the Fall 2024 sports season, Milford football coach Jed Bell also held the athletic director role. Offered a new job opportunity within the district, Bell stepped down and was replaced by Matt Faulkner, a 2008 Milford graduate who is also the school’s head baseball coach.
“I am probably one of the few people who has genuinely wanted to be in this position from a very early age,” Faulkner said. “I have always felt that athletics are an extension of education and knew I always wanted to be a coach and then an AD.”
Faulkner understood the challenges involved and walked into the job with his eyes wide open. He is there all the time, constantly working with other schools to schedule and run events and ensure transportation.
“I have to admit, at times it can be very busy, and getting tossed into it when I did presented a steep learning curve, but I really enjoy it,” Faulkner said.
A three-time varsity baseball player while attending Milford, Faulkner was recognized two times as an All-State athlete. Faulkner stayed close to home for college, attending Wesley College, where he played baseball for his first two years. Originally, Faulkner was a physical education major but switched to history and then education before graduation.
Coming back to Milford was important to him as he loves the community and enjoys the way the community cares for each other
“It is really great to be part of the fabric of this community,” Faulkner said. “This is a great opportunity, and I am really looking forward to this adventure.”
Nobody does it alone and Faulkner is no exception. All his Milford coaches encourage him constantly and he has relied on them throughout his coaching career. However, Faulkner credits Tripp Keister, his coach at Wesley, as his strongest supporter.
“Coach Keister is someone who really opened my eyes to how important athletics can be as an educational tool,” Faulkner said. “It wasn’t just about the sport with him, it was about the person inside the player. He was very enthusiastic, if not passionate about sports and I believe that I have developed a deep passion as well.”
One of the more fun aspects of the job is being exposed to different sports than he experienced as an athlete.
“Watching and learning more about different sports has been a lot of fun. To see the improvement of the girl’s volleyball team was fun, for example, but that was just one sport,” Faulkner said. “Seeing how much effort soccer and cross country put into their athletics is impressive. We have great coaches here in Milford who pour their heart into it. You really can’t ask for more than that.”
Faulkner emphasize the support he has received from coaches, past Milford athletic directors, and the community as a whole.
“We are all in the same boat with regards to how difficult the job can be. Everybody I have come in contact with has been supportive and helpful in assisting my learning how to do this job. That really means a great deal to me.”
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