Red Hook welcomes Quintin Johnson as director of physical education, health and athletics

High School sports preseason is underway and, for the first time since 2005, the Raiders are entering fall with a new director of athletics.
Quintin Johnson was appointed the Red Hook Central School District's Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics at the end of last school year. Tom Cassata, after leading the athletics department for 21 years, officially retired Aug. 14.
Under Cassata, Red Hook has perennially been a New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence, with athletes excelling in a wide variety of sports. Last September, he was presented the Dr. William F. Moran Service Award, given by Section 9 each year to “an educator … universally recognized as representing the highest educational standards. The athletic director was also a driving force in renovating the high school’s gymnasium and the ongoing field renovation projects.
Johnson worked together with Cassata to prepare for this preseason and to hit the ground running in his first year since returning to the Red Hook district, where he previously taught at Mill Road elementary.
With practices for all fall teams now underway, the new athletic director penned a message to students, families and the Red Hook community:
 
Dear Red Hook Central School District Community,
It is both an honor and a privilege to introduce myself as the new Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics for the Red Hook Central School District. I previously worked as a physical education teacher in the Red Hook Central School District from 2011-17.
I am excited to rejoin the district whose mission and vision emphasize personal growth, caring for others and empowering every individual to embrace today while navigating the possibilities of tomorrow. My goal is to support and represent these values in every aspect of our physical education, health, and athletics programs.
I strongly believe that education-based athletics are an extension of the classroom. This allows for some of the best experiences we can offer our students. Through sports and physical activity, students learn lessons that last a lifetime, including teamwork, perseverance, leadership, resilience and character. These experiences provide meaningful opportunities for personal growth and help prepare students for success both in school and later in life.
I look forward to working alongside our students, families, staff, coaches and community members to create positive experiences that support all our children and help build upon the deep tradition of Red Hook Raiders Athletics.