McHenry High School athletics is starting a new chapter with the appointment of former collegiate player, coach and School District of Beloit Athletic Director Joel Beard to replace longtime Athletic Director Barry Burmeister, who is retiring at the end of this year after 35 years with McHenry High School District 156.
District 156 board members approved Beard’s two-year contract Monday. Beard starts July 1, 2022.
A former basketball and football player at University of Wisconsin-Platteville and part of Platteville’s two Division III national championship basketball teams, Beard said he was impressed with the positive direction of McHenry High School. He cited the opening of the new Center for Science, Technology and Industry, and consolidation of two former high schools into one as examples.
“There are some cool things going on at McHenry, and I just really want to be part of it,” Beard said. “It is a good fit for me.”
McHenry High School Principal Jeff Prickett said the feeling of a good fit was mutual. In addition to a background in sports, Beard brings a background in diversity and inclusion work, including helping to start the Wisconsin chapter of the National Organization of Minority Athletic Directors, or NOMAD, that now actively participates in the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.
“He brings a variety of experiences to our campus,” Prickett said. “I am more thrilled than you can even imagine.”
The variety of experiences started for the Milwaukee native with a love of sports. Beard played basketball and football at Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin before heading to Platteville to study and play ball. He said he was fortunate to have worked with so many great coaches, and decided to try coaching himself.
After finishing a degree in psychology, he coached in high school and eventually at the college level, including at Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Missouri Western State in St. Joseph. He has a master’s degree in educational leadership from American Intercontinental University.
Since 2016, he’s been athletic and activities director for the School District of Beloit overseeing 22 athletic programs in the high school and primary school level. His accomplishments include recruiting coaches that reflect the diversity of the student body, expanding feeder athletic programs such as starting the Junior Knights football program, and improving communication between coaches, student athletes, and their families.
Beard and his wife have two children, and live in Loves Park.
McHenry High School officials screened seven candidates out of 25 who applied for the athletic director position. Four were selected to interview with three groups: parents and athletes, coaches, and administrators.