Introducing Stockton’s new recreation director, Clint Armstrong

Clint Armstrong stepped into the position as Stockton’s new recreation director in mid-July, following the departure of Aftan Tso.

Armstrong is gearing up for the fall sports schedule. Throughout the Saturdays of September and a few in October, the schedules for flag football (1st and 2nd grades), tackle football (4th through 6th grades), and volleyball (4th and 5th grades) have been finalized by Armstrong.

He is excited about how many parents are involved in helping and coaching the teams.

“Community involvement is important to make and grow strong traditions for our youth,” he stated. Armstrong accepted the position as director so he could get involved in the community.

He stated, “Fitness is a big part of my family’s lives, and I have always been into sports and athletics, so this was a great fit.”

You can usually find Armstrong at the recreation center on Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to noon, unless he happens to be on the ball fields getting them prepped for an evening game or a Saturday afternoon tournament. He also takes care of the fields during the off-season with the usual maintenance of watering and mowing the grounds.

Another part of Armstrong’s position is the maintenance of the rec center’s equipment.

In his first few months as director, Armstrong is intent on learning what the town would like at their rec center and to implement some of those ideas. He also has a few ideas of his own and is looking at holiday competitions both inside and outside of the facility, as well as introducing fitness and dietary programs at the center.

And that is not all, as there are some additional spring sports ideas/games he will be discussing with the Recreation Commission Board.

First off though is a “Fun”raiser that is in the works for the month of October in the way of a co-ed softball tournament, with Armstrong also working on a raffle for the facility.

And even though fall sports have begun, it is now time for Armstrong to start lining up the winter sports for the adults with volleyball and basketball on the agenda. His job is ever changing as the day requires. Armstrong is up for the challenge in his new position and he invites everyone to come in and check out to see what the facility has to offer to young and old alike.

Armstrong is married to Stockton’s Superintendent Sarah Armstrong, and the couple have three children: Faith (10), Ava (5) and Coralie (4). All are avid sports fans and players with the two older girls part of a traveling softball team. And if you want to strike up a conversation with Sarah, just say the word “soccer.”

Armstrong, who received his degree in culinary arts at the Siebel Institute, is also very passionate about his brewery, the 15-24 Brew House in Clay Center where he is the co-owner and brew master. So he is really living his dream of being able to pursue what he loves most in life with taking care of his brewery once or twice a week and then enjoying his love of sports by working as Stockton’s Recreaction Center Director.

Armstrong stated, “What a great asset the recreation center is for our town. I love sports and want to teach people exercises and skills they can incorporate into their lives.”

(The rec’s phone number is 785-425-7061. Look for updates and upcoming events on the Rec’s Facebook page.)