Mustangs Welcome New Basketball Coach/Activities Coordinator

September 12, 2013 (Independence, IA) – The Independence School District (ICSD) has a lot to celebrate this fall. With the opening of the new Jr./Sr. High School and the addition of an Agricultural Education Program, students are experiencing new learning environments and instructors.

Along with these exciting developments, ICSD has made steps to improve the district’s Activities Department. The position of Activities Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator has been filled by Matt Haddy. Haddy is wearing a few hats in this new role while also serving as the head boys basketball coach.

Haddy has an extensive career in athletics and coaching. Prior to taking his position with ICSD, he served as the Lisbon head boys basketball coach for six years with four consecutive winning seasons after nearly 20 years of non-winning seasons. The team went to the 2012 state tournament for the first time in the school’s history and won their conference title. While at Lisbon, Haddy also served as the football defensive coordinator for four years. The team won the state championship in 2011 and received two district titles during his time th

ere. He has also been involved with girls sports coaching the Lisbon girls golf team for three years during which they won a conference championship.

Haddy grew up in Marion, Iowa and played basketball, baseball, football, and golf as a student athlete. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Haddy worked as the Director of Operations for the Iowa baseball team. He has also coached the mens basketball team at Cornell College and boys basketball at Clear Creek Amana and Iowa City West high schools.

“It’s important to get students to compete on a daily basis. Whether that’s in the gym, weight room, or classroom; students need to buy into the importance of developing a strong work ethic,” said Haddy. As the Mustang head boys basketball coach, Haddy emphasizes the importance of getting the community involved in athletics. “In order to build overall success through our athletic programs, we need to have the support of the community and administration. This will help our student athletes develop a winning mentality and bolster morale.”

Haddy will be instrumental in helping the district further develop the Activities Department. He will be assisting Rob Arnold, Activities Director, in handling facility requests and reservations, event supervision, ordering concession stand supplies, and fundraising for activities. There is now an official Mustang Activities website at www.independencemustangs.net. Visitors will be able to access event calendars, find information about specific activities, download forms, and even view live web casts of events.

If you have questions regarding the ICSD Activities Department or facility requests, please contact Matt Haddy at mhaddy@independence.k12.ia.us or (319) 334-7400.

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Media Contact
Jenny Yoder, Fusion Forward
Jenny.Yoder@fusionforward.com
319.334.9300