By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

St. Cloud High’s athletic program must once again rebound from a black eye after former Athletic Director Matt Milton was arrested by St. Cloud police on the high school campus Friday and charged with selling and possession of marijuana.

Milton has been reassigned by the Osceola County School District pending the outcome of the case.

Milton was removed as the athletic director and wrestling coach by Principal Nate Fancher, who Monday appointed Assistant Principal Mike Hague to take over the athletic director position.

“I wanted someone with administrative experience, which Mr. Hague certainly has, and someone who I can trust to do the right things for St. Cloud High,” Fancher said.

Fancher can remove or appoint athletic directors or coaches at his discretion since those positions are supplemental.

Hague, a retired U.S. Army major who was instrumental in the construction of the high school’s new campus the past three years, said Tuesday that he will do his best to steer the focus of Bulldogs athletics back to where it should be, toward the student-athletes.

“I think we got into a ‘winning at all cost’ mindset recently, and that is not what our athletic program should be about,” Hague said. “We want to bring the focus back to the students, for them to have some fun, and to bring back some of the traditions that make St. Cloud High a great place to be.”

Milton’s arrest was the most recent of a series of blunders that has marred the school’s athletic reputation.

The football team forfeited four games over the past two seasons after two coaches intentionally violated Florida High School Athletic Association and Osceola School District policies, leading to penalties and fines.

Fancher said those penalties have dented the Bulldogs’ traditional athletic image of scrappy, hard-working athletes who believe in sportsmanship.

“We have so many wonderful, talented students and faculty here with stories to tell, and what we want to do is to put this behind us and turn our attention to those positive stories that deserve to be told,” Fancher said.

Hague said interviews would begin soon for the head wrestling job, one that Milton held since 2007.

“I know Mr. Milton had club and AAU programs that he was involved with. It is important that the young students who are zoned for this area have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of their sport, so we want to have someone in here as soon as possible to continue those programs,” Hague said.

A youth wrestling camp that was scheduled this week was canceled after Milton’s arrest, Hague said.

Hague does not have AD experience, but he plans to enlist the support of coaches and faculty members.

Hague also has spoken with Ryan Adams, the county’s athletics coordinator, about the ÅD responsibilities, he said.

Former Bulldogs’ athletic director Chad Ansbaugh, who coaches several sports at the high school, has offered his assistance, Hague said.

“I have spoken with Chad and he has agreed to help, which I appreciate,” Hague said. “We have many talented professionals on our faculty who are capable of handling things like the field maintenance and scheduling referees and other duties, and I certainly won’t be afraid to ask for their help.”