Edina Brings on Rock to Serve as Athletic Coordinator

A little more than a week after the resignation of former Athletic Director John Soma, Edina High School has hired a partial replacement.

Patrick Rock, who started woking for the district Monday, has joined EHS as interim athletic coordinator. He'll handle event management, troubleshooting issues and will help police student behavior at events.

Rock, who most recently worked at MTS Charter High School in Minneapolis, said he's excited to join "such an excellent program as Edina."

"Recognizing the many accolades Edina High School has received recently – including Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, a student achieving a perfect ACT score –Edina is clearly doing great things," Rock said, in a release. "I am excited to be a part of that tradition of excellence and look forward to connecting with students, families and staff to further promote the athletic and activities program to the Edina High School community."

Rock earned a B.A. in Psychology and Master's degrees in education as well as training and human resources management from the University of Wisconson-Stout. He's currently working toward his administrative licensure at the University of Minnesota.

In addition to prior experience in both teaching and administration, Rock brings a background in both high school and college-level athletics as an athlete, coach and official.

EHS Principal Bruce Locklear said the school is "fortunate to have someone with Patrick's experience and enthusiasm coordinating our extensive athletic program."

"Patrick came in on day one and immediately immersed himself in the job and began the important role of connecting with students and staff," Locklear said. "He is a tremendous addition to our Edina High School team."

The district plans to replace Soma's former position with two employees: an interim athletic coordinator and an interim athletic manager. The part-time interim athletic manager will handle day-to-day operations for EHS's athletic and activities department, including responsibilities related to the Minnesota State High School League athlete and team eligibilities. That position has yet to be filled, though Locklear said he hopes to have an announcement on it soon.

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