*Athletic Director*
By: BHS Staff Profiles
August 30, 2024
Chosen for this year’s first Staff Spotlight is Mr. Mark Zofka. This is Mr. Zofka’s first year in Brooklyn as he is our new Athletic Director. Outside of Brooklyn, he was a teacher, and he also coached football and baseball for 16 years in Bedford. In his free time, he likes to golf, watch baseball, walk, hike, and hang out with his grandkids. A fun fact about Mr. Zofka is that he loves to go to music festivals because he loves heavy metal music.
Q: When did your passion for athletics begin?
A: “When I was three or four-years-old, my dad was very much involved, and I was one of those kids who played all of the sports.”
Q: What do you like most about being an athletic director?
A: “There is a lot that goes on; there is a lot of variation, which is something that I like. And honestly, every day could be different. Not every day is the same.”
Q: Why did you choose Brooklyn High School?
A: “I am a member of the community, and it was honestly a great opportunity that I took. I know the facilities are great, and I followed the various sports throughout my playing and coaching years.”
Q: What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
A: “Time management. Some things need to be done throughout the day, such as meeting with coaches, players, and those sorts of things.”
Q: Where is your ideal vacation spot?
A: “I love going to Florida. I was possibly looking at buying something down there. I would say ideally somewhere with warm weather, where I can golf daily. But, I have also been looking at new places with lakes and mountains.”
Q: What was your best sport as an athlete? Worst?
A: “I would say my best sport was baseball; I mean that is what I played in college. I went to Cleveland State, and I am in their Hall of Fame for baseball. I was a head baseball coach for 16 years at Padua and Holy Name and a 6-year coach at Cuyahoga Community College. Last year, I was the coach at Normandy. My worst is basketball; I was athletic and a good defender, but when it came to shooting, I was not the best. I played baseball, football, and hockey, but I was not much of a basketball player.”
Q: What is your go-to meal?
A: “Steak, prime rib specifically. If I could, I would have that every day. I love a good steak or maybe some prime riblets. I also grill and smoke meats a lot. I am more of a propane type of guy when I am grilling. I know I should be on the charcoal side of things, but there is just a big difference in taste. I use charcoal when I go camping, which is another thing I like to do.”
Q: Cleveland Browns Super Bowl victory or a Cleveland Guardians World Series title?
A: “Ah boy, good question. I mean the Indians have won something already, so I would like to see a Browns Super Bowl victory over a Cleveland Guardians World Series title.”
Welcome to Brooklyn, Mr. Zofka. Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to let us interview you. We hope you experience many amazing things this year and a lot of success for our Hurricanes sports.
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 