Former Bulldog hired as athletic director

Former Bulldog standout athlete Aric Harris has been tapped as the new activity director at Whitefish High School. The school board unanimously approved the hire at their June 11 meeting.

Harris is a 2002 graduate from Whitefish High School. He replaces Jackie Fuller who resigned this year after serving six years as athletic director.

Harris most recently worked as a physical education teacher at Chadron High School in Nebraska. He also served as head wrestling coach and defensive coordinator for the football team, and taught strength and conditioning.

He says he enjoyed his six years at Chadron, but is excited to return to Whitefish.

“It’s always been a goal to get home,” Harris told the Pilot. “I have a very strong connection to community.”

He’s most looking forward to working with coaches and the students.

“I want to make sure we have efficiently run programs and a kids-first environment,” he said.

High school principal Kerry Drown said Harris’ enthusiasm stood out during the interview process.

“He’s eager, wants to dive in, and is all about the kids,” Drown said. “He wants to better the programs.”

Harris’ ties to Whitefish also separated him as a candidate.

“We find that when people come back here, that green and gold blood runs deep,” Drown said. “A lot of folks like to be here again.”

Harris is set to begin working in July. He is currently helping interview coaching candidates the lead the girls basketball team.

Fuller, who will stay at the high school as assistant principal, will mentor Harris.

Along with activity director duties, Harris will oversee online courses at the high school, including Virtual High School, Montana Digital Academy and Compass.

He and his wife, Katie, were both raised in Whitefish. They have twin 2-year-olds.

Harris earned all-conference honors in football and wrestling while at Whitefish High School. He went on to play football at the University of Montana - Western in Dillon, where he earned his degree. He received a masters in school administration last year from Chadron State.