At Monday night’s board meeting, Big Rapids Public Schools approved filling two athletic job openings.

The school announced Stephanie Shaw as its new athletic director and Blake Thomas as its new boys’ varsity basketball head coach.

Shaw returns to Big Rapids Public Schools after serving three years at Ferris State University as coordinator of athletic operations. 

She previously worked at Big Rapids High School for four years as assistant athletic director and secretary.

“It’s nice to be back at Big Rapids where (it) started,” Shaw said. “Dawn (Thompson) was a huge mentor and it’s nice to know I have her and the whole community’s support.”

Shaw holds a master’s degree in business administration and management from Central Michigan University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University, where she also competed on the Spartans’ conference-champion rowing team.

When asked what she looks forward to most in the job, Shaw mentioned her relationships with athletes.

“At Ferris, I was more behind the scenes,” Shaw said. “I’m excited to build more relationships with the athletes.”

On the hardwood, Thomas returns to the Cardinals after spending more than 10 years as an assistant coach in the varsity program. He spent the past year away from coaching, serving as a radio analyst for Big Rapids varsity basketball broadcasts.

“Working with student-athletes is something I thoroughly enjoy,” Thomas said. “(Big Rapids) been a great program to work for and I missed (coaching).”

Thomas has taught physical education and social studies at Big Rapids since 2015. He holds a secondary teaching degree from Ferris State University. Thomas has also coached youth basketball, high school softball, and high school soccer in Big Rapids.

Regarding his plans for the program, Thomas said he will use his knowledge of the program and add his own approach.

“I (want) to keep some things the same but it’s going to be a new process,” Thomas said. “I’d like to get up and down the floor a little more offensively and change things in practice.”

The board also approved several other teaching positions at the meeting. Details on those hires will follow soon.