Tim Gipe, who has been in the Sandwich school district for 15 years, was recently named Sandwich High School’s newest athletic director.
Gipe replaced Kris Cassie, who left the position after four years to spend more time with his family. Cassie announced his decision in January. That’s when Gipe, the assistant principal/athletic director at Sandwich Middle School, started to think about applying for the job.
After discussing it with his family – wife, Dina, and three kids, Nolan and Anna (who are in college) and Andrew, a freshman – Gipe, a Sandwich resident, applied. In late May, he was hired as the athletic director and assistant principal.
Gipe has been in the district since 2000, when he was the assistant principal at the high school. In 2004, he moved over to the middle school.
“I am excited. This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Gipe said. “This is a good time for us. I am hoping to make a difference and make some positive changes…I do make decisions with my family, and everyone’s on board.”
Dusty Behringer, the head girls’ track and field coach at Sandwich High School and teacher at Sandwich Middle School, thinks the decision to hire Gipe was a good one.
“He’s a great guy and a great friend of mine,” Behringer said of Gipe, who was also a guest at Behringer’s wedding. “I’m excited he got the job after seeing how he worked with the athletic department (at the middle school). He comes in early – 4:30-5 a.m. and is always doing his work, so he’s an early bird. He gets things done, he does it right and he makes sure things are done right.”
Prior to Sandwich, Gipe worked in the Plano School District as a dean and coach (wrestling, football). He also worked in the Dakota School District.
Gipe received his Master’s Degrees at Northern Illinois University and his Bachelor’s Degree at Sterling College, where he played baseball. He also played baseball at Rock Valley College.
Gipe was a multi-sport athlete at Pecatonica High School. He also coaches his son’s 14U travel baseball team, the Tri-County Patriots.
Gipe will spend the summer wrapping up loose ends at the middle school while preparing for the fall season at the high school.
Gipe is already familiar with the varsity coaches at the high school, so there’s no need for any introductions. He’s also worked the clock at football games and helped out at wrestling tournaments.
“I’m one of these guys who seem to be around at all times. I’m always out there, always visible,” Gipe said.