OSZ Influencer of the Week: Scott Drabczyk, Horizon High School

Scott Drabczyk is the athletic director at Horizon High School. Drabczyk oversees 44 sports programs on campus, including student-athlete compliance, oversight of 70 coaches, all athletic facility maintenance and upkeep, department fundraising and finances, and game-day operations. In addition, he works as the school’s Partners in Education coordinator and oversees all field trips and transportation schedules. 

What brought you to your school?

Having the opportunity to be a part of opening a brand-new high school is so uncommon. It is a process that most athletic directors and administrators don’t ever get to be a part of in their careers. The challenge and excitement of being a part of something from literally the ground up was the biggest thing that drew me into being a part of the Horizon community. 

What do you love most about your school?

Our students and community! Without a doubt, they are the most amazing part of being a Hawk. They are passionate, hardworking, curious and spirited. 

What is your motivation?

That is hard to scale down to one simple answer. The student-athlete and coach experience is ultimately what drives me every single day. Our saying in the athletic office is “to provide the championship experience with integrity.” So to sum it up, we want to provide our student-athletes and coaches everything they need to win championships. Twenty years from now, I want our student-athletes to look back at their experience in high school and wish they could go back and do it again.   

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Getting to witness student-athletes achieve things they never thought they could — both in and out of the athletic arena. For an athletic director, two of the proudest days of the year are National Signing Day and graduation. Those are moments when you see things come full circle in a culmination of a student-athlete’s hard work. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Athletic directors don’t get a lot of free time, but when we do, I love to golf; travel with my wife, Kristen; spend days on the boat with friends; and hang out with our dogs, Hank and Merle!

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My third-grade teacher Mr. Valenti. I remember how he could find the perfect balance of kindness and compassion coupled with toughness and high expectations. 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a police officer or work in law enforcement. My grandfather was a police officer, and my dad was a military police officer in the U.S. Army. I grew up with a huge appreciation for the service and sacrifice that first responders provide for our communities.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. It doesn’t matter if you are a child or an adult, that short book applies to all ages!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Tough question; can I just be a Jedi?

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney and George Strait. I love how country music tells a story in every song. There’s not much better than a summer evening and a country music concert!  

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

I mean, what was better than pizza Fridays in the cafeteria? 

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

We had a group of best friends growing up in Palm Coast, Florida, that we all still talk to and make time to see each other as much as possible. When you grow up in a small town, you never really lose touch with those special people.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was a member of our golf and baseball teams in high school as well as a part of Key Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I was a four-year varsity letter-winner in golf and a three-year captain. I was blessed to have the opportunity to sign to play golf in college at Flagler College and Bethune-Cookman University.

REPORT CARD

Position: Athletics Director

Time at school: One year

Time with OCPS: 10 years