St. Albert 1973 graduate Tim Cannon has been appointed the next athletic director at the Catholic high school in Council Bluffs.
Cannon, who was named the next head boys basketball coach in March, will also take the reins at the top of the Falcons and Saintes athletic programs.
“I really look forward to doing the job as athletic director,” Cannon said. “I see it as one where I just really want to help our student athletes, our coaches, our fans who enjoy the game, our games, and the faculty here to be a part of all that.
“I want to be a person that, just tries, in every way, to make things better for everyone. I don’t even call it a labor of love. For me, it’s an activity of love.”
Cannon added that he loves being at St. Albert, the 60-year-old school where his basketball coach (John LaBonia) was the first athletic director, and his father, Tom, was the first girls basketball coach. His wife, Shirley, was also the leading scorer for the inaugural Saintes.
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“So I’m pretty honored to be here as a coach and as the athletic director,” he said.
But Cannon doesn’t want to just thrive on those memories.
“I have great memories, but I want to use that to uphold the tradition here and just make things better for all these young men and ladies coming up,” he said.
When outcoming Dave Plendl revealed his intent to resign ahead of a move to a school in Wyoming, school administrator Pat Ryan approached Cannon with the opportunity.
“There’s a real need, because it’s hard to just turn around quickly, hire someone during the timing that things happen,” Cannon said. “But when Mr. Ryan presented it to me, that’s how it happened, I was very glad to do it.
“I’ve always told him that I just want to come here and help the school. Going to school here, I always feel like I’m giving back. You should always give back, and it’s a pretty cool thing just to be in this building.”
Cannon’s office sits just across from the St. Albert chapel, one of the little things he enjoys most.
“Just to be able to step into the chapel and have a word (with) who I call the big coach in the sky, little things like that,” he said.
Cannon does anticipate some challenges, especially during basketball season.
“I think maybe during the season might be the toughest because the athletic director goes to the games, makes sure things are set right,” he said. “Thankfully, I’ve got good help here with that too.”
Assistant athletic director Nate Noon will step in for Cannon when he coaches home games.
“That should balance somewhat during the season, but on the other side, I love the fact that now I’ll be in the building every day, see the kids every day all year long. I’m not just driving over there,” he said. “I’m a basketball coach working to make my program thrive, but I also want to be an athletic director that is even keeled or promoting all sports and not just favoring basketball.”
Administrative assistant Libby Cerny will also aid in Cannon’s duties, which will be a learning experience as Plendl remains at the helm for the next few weeks.
“There’s a lot to learn,” he said. “I need to know a lot about just scheduling ball games, how you hire, or at least anoint all your workers at games.”
Assignments and more paperwork are also tasks Cannon expects to be on the docket.
Ultimately, Cannon hopes to grow athletics at St. Albert.
“I’ve talked to a lot of alumni, which just thrills me,” he said. “And I’ve already had three different alumni who played basketball, talking to our kids there. I just want to try to bring everything together for people to feel welcome up here for ball games, you know, get more people, bigger crowds, I hope.”
