Gertz to become new Dundee-Crown athletic director

The opportunity to work closer to home and spend more time with his family became a lure for Steve Gertz, and Dundee-Crown has reeled him in.

Dundee-Crown announced Monday that Gertz will be the school's new athletic director effective July 1.

Gertz will take over for Dick Storm, D-C's athletic director since 2001. Storm is retiring June 30.

According to a news release sent to the Daily Herald Monday, Gertz participated in a rigorous interview process that included coaches, activity sponsors, teachers, administrators, students, and parents sharing their input about what qualities they would like to see in the next athletic director. The announcement regarding his selection was made to Dundee-Crown staff this past Monday and was approved by the Board of Education at Monday night's board meeting.

"I've always enjoyed going to Dundee-Crown and playing at Dundee-Crown," Gertz said Monday. "There's nice facilities, the fans are great, the teams compete hard and it's a great opportunity. I'm excited about the new challenge."

Gertz, a Carpentersville resident, received his Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University and his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University. He started his career in 1993 at Streamwood High School teaching Social Studies and ultimately became the athletic director, department chair for physical education and driver's education, and Dean of Students for five years.

From Streamwood, Gertz accepted a position as the athletics and activities director at Burlington Central High School and was there two years. He has been the athletic director at Grayslake Central High School the past two years.

"I truly love Grayslake Central," Gertz said. "It's a great school, a great community and I believe the academics are above many other districts."

But the opportunity to work in the district in which he lives, and to be able to spend more time with his wife, Eileen, and their daughters, Caleigh, 11, and Lindsey, 10, won out in the end.

"Our daughters are getting involved in more things and we don't want to hold them back," Gertz said. "It's an opportunity to work in the same school district my kids attend and Dundee-Crown's a great school. I think there's a lot of opportunity for growth."

Gertz said he expects a smooth changeover as Storm prepares to retire.

"I know Dick pretty well and it should be a smooth transition," he said.