After 15 years of teaching and coaching, Cherry spent 22 years as an Assistant Executive Director for the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Cherry was selected to be inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
During his tenure at the Kansas State High School Activities Association, Cherry has been responsible for the administration of soccer, swimming & diving, scholars bowl activities, wellness and health promotions, coaches education programs while serving as director for the student advisory team and student council program. Cherry was also involved with the general interpretation of KSHSAA rules for the Association member schools.
A native of Wichita, Kansas, Cherry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Bethany College before completing a Master of Arts in Health and Human Performance, Sports Administration, and Sports Medicine at Fort Hays State University. Cherry began his career as a health and physical education teacher and coach at Emporia-Lowther Middle School and Emporia High School. He later became a teacher and coach at Whitewater-Remington High School. Before joining the Association staff, he served as a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Ellis High School.
During his 22-year career with the KSHSAA, Cherry filled his summers with Student Council Leadership Workshops for which he administered hundreds of students each year. In addition, he organized the KSHSAA Coaching School, a coaching clinic held annually for 85 years. While coaching swimming and diving, Cherry watched the state championship grow from one class to two for both boys and girls. In soccer, the boys’ program grew from two classes to three, and the girls from one to three classes, both competing for a state championship.
Cherry was also an active contributor to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), serving on the NFHS Coaches Education Committee, NFHS Coaches Association Advisory Committee, and the NFHS Records Committee.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
As a teacher, coach, and activities director at Ellis HS, it was an excellent opportunity to finish my master’s Program in Health and Human Performance at FHSU!
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
The summers spent in class with a great group of people working with terrific mentor teachers will always be my best memory. I owe so much to Dr. Jim Krob for his leadership and insight into higher education.
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
Work hard and develop as many relationships as possible with various individuals.