As the school year races on, VYPE Three Rivers editor Bill Huddleston shared a moment between fall sports activities with Eric Hackler, Director of Athletics for Poteau Public Schools to discuss the current climate of expectations for Pirates athletics.
VYPE: Where did you graduate high school? College? What sports did you play? What is your favorite sport, why?
Hackler: I graduated from Poteau High School in 1999. From there I went to Oklahoma State University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. I received my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. I played basketball and baseball in high school. My favorite sport to coach and play was basketball. I loved the fast pace of the game with so many opportunities to change the game playing and coaching.
VYPE: Where and when did you begin your administrative career?
Hackler: I began my administrative career here at Poteau as the high school assistant principal eight years ago.
VYPE: Do you have a coaching mentor – someone that you look up to or have called upon for advice?
Hackler: I was blessed with the opportunity to coach with and for coach Randy Loyd and coach Chris Bryant while I was at Van Buren. I always admired how professional they were and the expectations they set for their players. I learned a lot from them in the four years that I was a part of their program.
VYPE: With today’s environment forced to deal with unusual circumstances, what’s the #1 challenge facing high school athletics, and specifically Poteau?
Hackler: The biggest challenge in athletics, which started in college and now in high school, is dealing with the open transfers. At Poteau, we are and will continue to upgrade our facilities, resources, and whatever is needed for our student-athletes to reach their potential.
VYPE: What are three words that define Eric Hackler?
Hackler: Oh I don’t know. I guess what I hope people say is that I’m hard-working, trustworthy, and man of integrity.
VYPE: What’s your message to athletes and coaches at Poteau under your guidance and leadership?
Hackler: Honestly, the sky is the limit at Poteau Public Schools. Under the leadership of our new superintendent Scott Kempenich, we understand how important athletics and activities are for the success of our students. In the short year and a half that he has been here we have seen improvements in all of our facilities throughout our campuses along with resources needed for our student-athletes to be successful in and out of the classroom. His vision for Poteau is exciting!
VYPE: What have you come to love most about Poteau, your athletes and where the future of Poteau athletics is headed?
Hackler: Growing up here I definitely have a sense of pride to see Poteau excel in every aspect of our school. Our community support for our schools and athletics is incredible! Our student-athletes know what it takes to be successful and it’s awesome to watch them compete for each other in whatever sport they are competing in. I truly believe we have the best group of coaches in the state that have a vision to take their program to where it’s never been before. The future for Poteau Athletics is bright!
VYPE: Let’s have a little fun and check your list of favorites. What’s your favorite place to eat? What’s Eric’s “Champions Dinner menu?
Hackler: My favorite place to eat is probably Texas Roadhouse. Champion’s Dinner for me is definitely a steak and baked potato with green beans and rolls.
VYPE: Other than the Pirates, what is your favorite sports team? (College or pro)
Hackler: At the moment it’s the my alma mater Oklahoma State, but in a year and a half it will be changing to Mississippi State where my daughter Emma committed to play softball.
VYPE: Who is your all-time favorite sports hero (Athlete or Coach)? Why?
Hackler: Michael Jordan has always been my sports hero. I’ve never seen nor will I ever see someone with such a will to win. His ability to take over a game in so many different ways was unbelievable. The bigger the stage the better he played.
VYPE: What are your all time favorite movies?
Hackler: Remember the Titans and Hoosiers.
VYPE: Favorite music artist? What was the first concert you attended?
Hackler: I really don’t have one in particular. I listen to a lot of different types of music. I honestly can’t remember the first concert that I went to. I think it may have been Neal McCoy at the Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair.
VYPE: You’re always on the move but, other than athletic duties with the Pirates, what are your hobbies?
Hackler: Traveling the country with my wife (Rachel) and my son (Dylan) watching my daughter (Emma) play softball. I also love to play golf.
VYPE: Here’s your chance to send a shout out to anyone you wish.
Hackler: First and foremost would be Jesus Christ. He has blessed me way more than I deserve. I also want to send a shout out to my wife Rachel. She is a rock star. She is an incredible wife, mom, and teacher. She makes me a better person and I’m blessed to go through life with her.
