Bartlett names Bral new AD

One down, three to go.

Jeff Bral, who has been a teacher and coach at Bartlett High School since 1999, has been selected to replace Dan Kallenbach as the Hawks' new athletic director.

The appointment, which is subject to Elgin Area School District U-46 Board of Education approval, leaves the ADs jobs at Elgin, Larkin and South Elgin still to be filled.

"It's exciting," said Bral Wednesday. "I finished my Master's last year and I've been at Bartlett 10 years. There's something that just says it was time. I talked it over with my wife and we were ready to take this step 2-3 years from now when Dan retired but the opportunity came up now and I believe I'm ready."

Kallenbach, the only AD Bartlett has had, is stepping back to a full-time teaching position at Bartlett. He announced in January he was giving up the AD job, citing personal stress and the need to step back.

"Dan and I have a great relationship," said Bral, who has coached track and cross country at the school. "Dan's been doing this a long time and filling his shoes will be a big job."

Bral, 33, is a native of Kewanee, Ill., where he played on two state basketball teams and ran cross country and track. He then went on to North Central College, where he was a member of that school's 1997 and 1998 NCAA Division III national championship cross country teams and the 1998 national championship track team. At North Central, Bral competed for coach Al Carius, who was named Sports Illustrated's Division III Coach of the Century.

Bral knows there are challenges ahead at Bartlett.

"Me being a young guy I'm sure there are people who will question if I'm ready," he said. "I'm ready. I wouldn't want to do this anywhere but Bartlett High School. Over time I'd like to see our programs become united as one and move to the next level. I know we have the people and the students to do it."

Bral will also be the divisional head for physical education, driver education, and health education.

"Jeff will bring a lot of enthusiasm and energy to both departments. it will be tough to replace him as a head coach," said Bartlett principal Kevin Skinkis in a post on the Bartlett High School Web site.