By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Brian Misanko is a Field Falcon once again.

The once girls soccer head coach was recently named the district’s new athletic director.

Misanko spent five years leading the Falcon girls on the pitch from 2014-18, and he steps into his new role as AD after spending the previous two years at Dalton High School in the same capacity.

“I am very excited to be back at Field,” Misanko said. “My five years here coaching were great, and I loved every second of it. I met so many great families and made so many friends. The players were incredible. They always bought in, gave so much respect and worked so hard. It was really the perfect storm.”

Misanko’s previous connection at Field was linked directly to soccer, but it is far from the only sport that has a hold of his heart.

“I am not just a soccer guy. I love all sports,” Misanko said. “That is what makes this job so much fun, because I get the chance to be involved with everyone. I feel my coaching background will help, because I know exactly what the coaches are going through, I understand their wants and their needs, and I can provide the support they need. Ultimately, it is my goal to create an environment that all of our coaches love coaching here.”

It is part of Misanko’s philosophy, which also touches on other important key areas.

“This is a job where you have to always be thinking about the kids first,” Misanko said, “and you have to always be thinking academics first.” We have to be focused on academic success before anything else, and if we are going to set goals athletically, then we nee dto set those same goals in the classrooms.”

Misanko was born and raised in Akron and attended Hoban High School, graduating in 2000. He attended the University of Akron for his undergraduate degree, earned his teacher’s license through Notre Dame College and received his Master’s degree from Ashland University.

Misanko previously taught at Alliance for six years and at Chippewa for five years as an elementary and middle school science and social studies teacher.

Prior to coaching at Field, Misanko coached the Hoban girls soccer team for seven seasons, with four of those years as an assistant and three as the Knights’ head coach.

In addition to focusing on academic standards, Misanko has a general goal to get every Field program competing for district titles each year.

“We have a few that are already doing that, but I want to get everyone to that level,” Misanko said.