Linn-Mar selects David Brown as athletics director

MARION — David Brown, currently the athletics director at Spencer High School, has been selected as the Linn-Mar AD, pending board approval.

Brown will take his new position July 1, filling the vacancy left by Scott Mahmens, who retires June 30.

'We believe that David Brown, along with associate athletic director Tonya Moe, will provide excellent leadership for the future of our athletic program which will focus on the student experience, student leadership development, and the continuous growth of our entire coaching staff,' Linn-Mar principal Jeff Gustason said in a release. 'David's work at Spencer, Decorah, and Fremont to maintain high levels of participation, focus on leadership of student-athletes and staff development of coaches, and to always strive for excellence in a first-class manner made him our top choice.'

Brown began his career as an assistant basketball coach and head men's golf coach at Wayne State (Neb.). He also taught physical education, coached, and was middle-school AD for six years in Fremont (Neb.) before becoming the boys' head basketball coach and teacher at Decorah.

He was hired as the AD at Spencer in 2012, and currently oversees 33 activities in grades 7-12.

'Over the past 20 years in athletics I have become increasingly aware of the value extra-curricular experiences add to the lives of young people, coaches, and their communities,' Brown said in the release. 'Working together, we can ensure our student-athletes continue to be successful in the classroom and prepared to represent our community while competing at the highest level in the state.'

Brown earned a B.A. in physical education from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. He completed his M.A. in education/sports management and earned his administrative endorsement from Wayne State.

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com