William “Bill” Bree is retiring again. Bree had been called out of retirement to start up and run the athletics program at Murrieta Mesa High School when it opened in 2009. Bree had successfully done that previously at Golden West High School in Visalia where he served for 25 years. Bree has been recognized state-wide and nationally and has been very involved in the California Interscholastic Federation.
“There have been many special moments here at Murrieta Mesa,” reminisced Bree, “Opening the school only happens once; holding the school’s first home football game on 9/11 with a military flyover and skydivers bringing the American flag, game ball and commemorative coin was special.”
Bree received an AA from College of the College of the Sequioas in 1970, a BA from Cal State University Fresno in 1973, and a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from CSU Fresno in 2003. Bree also holds two administrative credentials and a Lifetime California Secondary Credential. He has a Certificate in Leadership from Stanford University.
Bree is also a Certified Master Athletic Administrator for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Association and a certified instructor for the American Sport Education Program.
Bree began his career in 1973 at Divisadero Middle School in Visalia where he was the Physical Education Department chair and athletic director. He was also a teacher, PE department chair and athletic director at Golden West High School in 1979 until 2004. Bree fundraised $400,000 for a new community stadium in Visalia and participated in the design and construction phases. Bree also spent a year (2007-8) as an assistant principal at South Gwinnett High School in Georgia, prior to coming to Murrieta Mesa.
Bree was the chairman of the Certification Committee and served on the Leadership Training Program Committee for the NIAAA. He has been president and a board member for the California State Athletic Director’s Association. He served on the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He also served on various committees for the state CIF: rules, negotiations, officials, sport education, and scholar-athlete. He has been a presenter at numerous state and national conferences.
He is also affiliated with the American Alliance of Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance; National Federation of High Schools; as well as the California Coaches Association.
Bree was named CSADA Central Section Athletic Director of the Year in 1990; CSADA State Athletic Director of the Year in 1993; California Coaches Association Athletic Director of the Year in 1993 and 1998; NCCSAD State Athletic Director of the year in 1993 and 2002; NCCSAD Western regional Athletic Director of the year in 1993 and 2002. He also received the NIAAA State Award of Merit in 1997; NIAAA National Citation in 1998; and the NIAAA Meritorious Service Award in 2001. Bree was also named Western States Athletic Director of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association in 1999.
Bree has been a mentor for athletic administrators locally, statewide and nationally.
Incoming Athletic Director John Broussard (Linfield Christian) has had the opportunity to work with Bree since April. “In our short time together it is obvious he has established a culture centered around the students. Bill has had the uncanny ability to keep our athletes’ minds on the real victory and lessons needed to succeed in life. I’ve witnessed him daily pouring into the kids encouraging them to be a champion in everything they do,” Broussard said.
Bree expressed appreciation for the respect of the students, staff and parents for their love of Murrieta Mesa and their efforts to give back to the community. His parting words are: “Compete every day in every way with dignity and grace. Remain focused, be humble and don’t forget where you came from. Lastly, it’s all about attitude, effort and perseverance in life’s journey.”
The post Murrieta Mesa’s Athletic Director Bree retires after 42 years appeared first on Valley News.