The following was compiled from a press release issued by Wilton Public Schools.
Chris McDougal has resigned as Wilton High School Athletic Director, effective June 30, 2022. After more than eight years leading the WHS athletics program, McDougal has decided to step down from his position. In a letter to students, staff, and parents, McDougal shared the following:
“I made this difficult decision after carefully considering what is best for my family at this time. While the pandemic has presented all of us with numerous challenges, the past 20 months have also given me the benefit of a renewed appreciation for the importance of family, health, and time to appreciate them, and for those reasons, I will be pursuing a variety of opportunities that are more aligned with my family’s needs at this time,” he wrote.
McDougal shared that as he reflects on his time in Wilton, he is, “most proud of the fact that all athletes … learn critical life lessons about the value of hard work, integrity, and discipline. They build self- esteem, forge friendships, develop as both athletes and scholars, and, in many cases, view their coaches and teammates as heroes. I have been humbled to not only be a part of this program, but to lead it since July 2013.”
During his tenure with the Wilton Public Schools, McDougal oversaw the growth of an already successful athletic program, including the reintroduction of the Unified Sports program, increased offerings for student athletes, and numerous honors, including: the Michael’s Cup (a recognition of scholarship, sportsmanship and athletic accomplishment), the FCIAC Cup, the designation as a CIAC Class Act School, 14 state titles, and four FCIAC titles.
Wilton High School Principal Dr. Robert O’Donnell expressed his gratitude to McDougal for his contributions to the district. “On behalf of the Wilton High School community, I want to thank Mr. McDougal for his dedication to Wilton High School student athletes and to our athletic programs. He is a quality person and professional educator who always emphasized character, integrity, and sportsmanship to our student athletes and coaches. He embraced our WHS philosophy of Academics First and believed deeply in the positive impact that interscholastic athletics has on student health, wellness, and academic performance.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kevin Smith noted the accomplishments of student athletes and the advancement of numerous programs under McDougal’s leadership. “We value the positive experiences of student athletes during Mr. McDougal’s tenure in Wilton. We are grateful for Mr. McDougal’s contributions to the athletics program and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
The search for a new athletic director will begin in late winter, 2022.