Trojans AD Kirkwood headed for sunny Florida
After six years with the Trojans, Ed Kirkwood is saying farewell and headed for greener pastures. Kirkwood’s last day as Trojans athletic director will be on Friday. He has not only has been the athletic director for the past two seasons, but has also coached many athletes over his time.
When he came to the school in 2010 he coached the freshmen girls volleyball team, the girls JV basketball team and the jumpers for the Trojans track team.
In 2011 he took over the Trojans girls JV volleyball team and basketball and track remained the same.
Then in 2012 he became the head track coach while still coaching volleyball and basketball.
In 2014 he became the athletic director and helped the girls basketball team as the assistant varsity coach, and then in 2015 he was the athletic director until the present.
“My time here in Pahrump was awesome,” Kirkwood said. “I am sorry to go. It’s time to get closer to family on the East Coast. I will be moving to Daytona, Florida. This past couple of years working as an AD has been something I have always wanted to do.”
Kirkwood said that just because he is going to the sunshine state doesn’t mean he is giving up working with kids and sports.
“I already got applications in with high schools in Daytona,” he said. “It will be a blast coaching again. I have had a few interviews as a track coach and the schools want to talk to me as soon as I get in town.”
Unfortunately for the high school it will be losing a great coach and a great athletic director. A few Trojans coaches and staff had some last words for the AD.
Volleyball coach Jill Harris
“He was always up for a good match debriefing after any games when we coached together.”
Wrestling coach Craig Rieger
“Ed has so much experience in coaching, dealing with student athletes, parents and coaching staffs. He is very organized and professional at what he does. He will be missed and PVHS was lucky to have him as a coach and athletic director. I enjoyed coaching track with Ed. He has so much knowledge and helped me become a better coach. Our students love him because they see how much he cares and he likes to see them improve and succeed.”
Trojans baseball coach
Brian Hayes
“Ed Kirkwood will be missed not only by our team, but I’m sure every other program at Pahrump Valley High School. He, along with Jason Odegard and Kendra McCauley, took a lot of the tedious administrative work out of coaching, which gave us more time to work with our athletes. We wish him the best!”
His replacement will be Larry Goins, a former Trojan.
Trojans athletic secretary
Kendra McCauley
“There are many things that I could say about Ed Kirkwood. For the past year and a half Ed has taught me so much. He has not only been a great boss and co-worker, but a great friend and mentor. We had a bond right away, both being from the East Coast. We had an instant connection. I can never thank him enough for everything that he has done. I will miss him more than he will know. He won’t get rid of me that easy. There is a trip in my future to Florida.”
Contact sports editor Vern Hee at vhee@pvtimes.com
