Jones living out his dream as Warren Hills AD

WASHINGTON TWP. -- You won't have to look hard to find Warren Hills athletic director Mike Jones.

And that's exactly how the first-year AD wants it to be. Whether it be in his office, out on the practice fields, or on the road to sporting events, Jones certainly makes the rounds.

Mike Jones was inducted  into the Blue Streak Wall of Fame in 2018.

"The one thing the students say to me is, 'Mr. Jones, you're so visible," Jones said on Monday during a sit-down interview in his office. "'You're at practices and games, then you're at your desk at night.' The key for me is to be [in the office] during the day and at 2:20 p.m., out [on the field or in the gym] with every sport. And I mean every sport."

Being an AD at times means working long hours and weekends. It can be a seven-day-a-week job. But for Jones, he wouldn't have it any other way. Getting a chance to make a difference in his hometown community, is more than enough reward.

Communication and visibility are the big keys, according to Jones, along with making the facilities accessible to the entire community, and getting the alumni back and involved with the sports programs.

"Those kids [in the youth programs] are going to come here one day, and I want our athletes to be role models for them," Jones said.

Jones, a former star athlete and 1998 graduate of Warren Hills, was hired over the summer to become the school's fifth athletic director since 2010. He has hit the ground running since the start of the fall season in late August, and he is thrilled to be back at his alma mater.

"I'm humbled and blessed to get up day in and day out, and be back here," Jones said. "I'm fortunate [the Board of Education] took a chance on me, and allowed me to come back to my roots."

Jones, 38, a star quarterback for Warren Hills under former head coach and AD Bob Lockhart, who is now an assistant coach at North Hunterdon, had previously served as the chief administrator and an elementary teacher in the Hampton school district from 2001-18. A four-year letterwinner, Jones threw for 1,843 yards -- second most on the Blue Streaks' all-time list -- his senior season in 1997. He still owns the school's career marks of 4,118 yards and 32 touchdowns. Jones, who went on to play two years at Monmouth University, was inducted into the Blue Streak Wall of Fame in May.

"Coach Lockhart was instrumental as a mentor, coach and a father figure," said Jones, who was raised by a single mother. "He instilled discipline within me. He took me on recruiting trips to colleges. He was the toughest coach I ever had. At the time, I didn't realize it, but it got me to where I am today. I owe a lot to Coach Lockhart."

But the football accolades, of which Jones is far too humble to bring up, don't define him. Jones is committed to making Warren Hills a place where everyone feels welcome. His high visibility at sporting events and in general at the school, is by design.

"Everything I do will be for the Warren Hills community, the students and athletes, and to give them as many chances to be successful," Jones said.

Football gave Jones an opportunity to be successful, but as AD, he's all about making every sport successful at Warren Hills.

"The one thing I heard was, 'You're a football guy,'" Jones said. "No. I'm at tennis, field hockey, everywhere."

And Jones sure means everywhere.

During one weekday in late October, Jones made the hour-plus trek to Northern Highlands to watch Warren Hills' 1-0 win in the North 1, Group 3 sectional semifinals. From there, he made another hour-plus commute to Somerville to watch the girls soccer team in a playoff match. Jones capped his marathon day by heading west to Phillipsburg to watch the Blue Streaks' cheerleaders compete.

"It's hard to bottle up my passion and energy for Warren Hills," Jones said.

Jones also makes his presence on social media, where his updates and tweets on the school's Twitter accounts keep fans, parents, students and media members informed of events and happenings at the school, including a recent fundraiser involving the Harlem Wizards basketball team for Project Graduation.

pic.twitter.com/f13MI2uB6q

— WHRSD Athletics (@WHRSDAthletics) November 30, 2018

But the long hours and numerous work days, which Jones calls a labor of love, would not be possible without the support of his wife, Danielle, or a tremendous office staff that includes top-notch secretaries Christina Page and Jordan Lackey. Jones also credits superintendent Chip Clymer and principal Chris Kavcak with helping to make his transition from superintendent of a K-8 school to high school athletic director.

One of the many things Jones has done in his short tenure is reintroducing the traditional bonfire before the annual rivalry football game against Hackettstown, as well as the Powder Puff game (senior girls vs. junior girls) this fall. He's also in charge of the high school's numerous clubs, which also keep Jones on his toes.

"It's awesome," Jones said. "The kids are excited about things, and I'm excited for them. It's my passion."