Q&A with Catoosa’s Athletic Director Sal Guerrero
VYPE:When did you take over as AD, and what was your professional background prior to this position?
Sal Guerrero: This is my first year serving as the full-time Executive Director of Athletics and Activities at Catoosa Public Schools. I previously spent two years as Assistant Athletic Director and served as Middle School Dean of Students, experiences that strengthened my work in student leadership, discipline, and program support.
In addition to administration, I have coached at both the middle school and high school levels and have taught in the classroom, giving me a well-rounded perspective on the daily demands our students and staff face. Those combined experiences have prepared me to lead our athletic department with clarity, purpose, and a deep understanding of education-based athletics.
VYPE:What is new in the athletic department and are there any plans for future developments?
SG: Our department is entering a focused phase of growth centered on culture, accountability, and program alignment. We are emphasizing offseason development, consistent expectations from middle school through high school, and strengthening school pride across all programs. Moving forward, we will continue evaluating facility needs, enhancing branding consistency, and improving the overall game-day experience. Our commitment is to build sustainable programs rooted in leadership, academic accountability, and long-term success not just wins and losses. The mission is simple: continue building programs our district and community can be proud of.
VYPE:Why is community support essential to an athletic department?
SG: Community support is the backbone of a successful athletic program. Athletics are an extension of the community’s identity. Our teams wear the name of our town across their chest. When fans fill the stands, businesses invest through sponsorships, and families volunteer their time, it creates an environment of pride and accountability. That presence sends a powerful message to student-athletes that their effort matters and that they represent something bigger than themselves. Community support also allows us to enhance facilities, provide quality equipment, and create first-class experiences for our athletes. Most importantly, it builds a unified culture where schools and communities grow stronger together.
VYPE:What should parents of incoming freshmen know as their student-athletes prepare to compete at the varsity level?
SG: The transition to high school athletics is significant. The speed, physicality, and expectations increase at every level. Success requires discipline, accountability, mental toughness, and extra effort. Consistent attendance, offseason commitment, and a team-first mindset are critical. Growth takes time, but preparation and persistence create opportunity. Bottom line: They need to show up every day ready to work, stay coachable, and understand that earning trust, respect, and playing time starts with their commitment to the team.
VYPE:Which community partners and sponsors have supported your student-athletes this season?
SG: We are fortunate to have tremendous support from both our community and district leadership. Our Board of Education and Superintendent clearly understand the value of athletics and activities as an extension of the educational experience, and they demonstrate that commitment through thoughtful budgeting, strategic spending, and long-term investment across all programs. Their leadership ensures we can continue building competitive, sustainable programs that serve our student-athletes well. In addition, our Platinum Sponsors like the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, EADS Cooling Solutions, Sherwood Construction, Burggraf Disaster Restoration, RCB Bank, and TTCU play a vital role in enhancing opportunities for our teams. Our partnership with Joe Deere and the Cherokee Nation is especially impactful for our district. Lastly, the Catoosa Chamber of Commerce and many additional local businesses continue to invest in our student-athletes, and we are sincerely grateful for that support.
VYPE:What is your perspective on the current state of prep sports in Oklahoma, and how can the experience be improved for students?
SG: High school athletics in Oklahoma continue to evolve. Competition is stronger, year-round training is more common, and visibility has expanded through social media. The OSSAA plays a vital role in maintaining structure, competitive balance, and educational focus across the state. While opportunities have grown, challenges such as transfer movement and early specialization can sometimes shift attention away from team culture and school identity. The key is maintaining education-based athletics where character development, academics, and representing your school remain central to the experience.
As the Executive Director of Athletic and Activities, I am committed to providing our student-athletes with exceptional guidance, quality facilities, and the resources necessary to compete at a high level while maintaining a strong focus on life after high school. This is why I work relentlessly to strengthen communication, leadership opportunities, and program support so every student-athlete has a positive, disciplined, and growth-centered experience in Catoosa Indians athletics.
VYPE:What is the biggest challenge you face as an athletic director in 2026?
SG: One of the greatest challenges is balancing rising expectations with available resources. Demands continue to grow in areas such as facilities, competitiveness, social media presence, and year-round development. Meeting those expectations requires intentional leadership. The type of leadership that sets clear priorities, communicates transparently, allocates resources strategically, and never loses sight of our primary mission: developing student-athletes. By establishing strong standards, supporting our coaches, and making disciplined decisions that align with our districts’ Continuous Strategic Improvement plan, we can maintain culture, accountability, and long-term program consistency while navigating those pressures.
VYPE:How do you enjoy spending your free time away from school?
SG: Family time is critical to me and a balance I continually work to protect. I love spending time with my wife, Sarah, and our three boys Hayden, Abel, and Cruz whether that’s supporting their activities, being outdoors together, or just enjoying the everyday moments that matter most.
Outside of school, you’ll often find me on the golf course or on the river chasing flatheads and blues. There’s nothing quite like the patience, strategy, and adrenaline that come with hooking a big catfish, and golf fuels my competitive side while giving me a chance to reset and sharpen my focus. Both help me recharge so I can bring energy, perspective, and passion back to our students and programs each day.
VYPE:What advice would you give to a first-time athletic director taking over a program?
SG: Leadership is hard. Communication and relationships are key. Transforming a culture of sustained success is no easy task, which is why it’s essential to surround yourself with like-minded people who share a clear vision and strong work ethic. Listen before you lead, and take the time to truly understand the culture and the people who shape the program.
Additionally, build strong relationships with coaches early. They are your greatest asset. Communicate clear expectations, stay organized, and be proactive with OSSAA regulations, scheduling, and facilities management. Protect the purpose of education-based athletics at all times. Wins matter, but character, academics, and long-term development matter more. Finally, rely on mentors and your administrative team, because leadership in this role is service-driven and never meant to be done alone.
VYPE:What is your message to the senior class of 2026, and what would you like returning students to know?
SG: To the Senior Class of 2026: You are stepping into your next chapter prepared because of the challenges you’ve faced and the standards you’ve upheld. As you pursue college, careers, or service, remember the values that built your foundation, discipline, resilience, and pride in representing Catoosa. Once an Indian, Always an Indian! To our returning students: Continue raising the standard. Embrace the work, protect the culture, and compete with pride. When we stay rooted in our values, success will follow.
