After reviewing approximately 12 candidates, Fenton High had officially hired a new interim athletic director, Dallas Lintner, on Jan. 19. Lintner is set to have his first day at Fenton on Feb. 1.

Lintner holds the current position as principal of Lincoln High in Owosso, according to their website. This was his first year being principal at Lincoln High, but decided he couldn’t miss the opportunity to become the interim athletic director for Fenton.

“In the time I have been at LHS, I have really connected with our staff and I care a great deal about our students,” Lintner said. “It will be very difficult to leave them, but as I always tell them when we are working through challenges together, you must always push forward and toward your goals. I feel like this position is moving forward in my professional career and I had to make a very difficult decision to move forward.”

Lintner has had previous experience in the athletic department as he was an athletic director at Linden High School and Linden Middle School for one year. For 11 years he served as an athletic director in Owosso and during that time, he also served as a member of the executive board of the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA) and the MIAAA’s president for the 2018-19 school year. That same year, he was recognized as the regional athletic director of the year by the MIAAA.

“Dr. Lintner’s experience as an athletic director made him stand out from the other candidates,” Interim Principal Michael Bakker said. “He has proven while working at two different schools in the Flint Metro League (Linden and Owosso) that he understands [Michigan High School Athletic Association] and Flint Metro League rules and guidelines. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Lintner on many occasions and his attention to detail, passion for interscholastic athletics and desire to help athletes and coaches succeed were all attributes that were evident and important to Fenton.”

Bakker feels confident passing the position to Lintner as he’s known him professionally and personally for years.

“Not only is Dr. Lintner a respected [athletic director] within our area, but he is highly respected within the state wide Athletic Director organization,” Bakker said. “He has served on numerous committees for the MHSAA and is a past President of the MIAAA.” 

Lintner has admired Bakker’s work as an athletic director for several years and admired the Fenton High sports programs as well.

“I have considered Mr. Bakker a friend, a colleague and a mentor for over a decade.  I am excited to have him as my boss moving forward,” Lintner said. “There is a lot to be proud of in Fenton, and I am proud to be joining the team.”

Lintner has coached football, track and field, baseball and softball. His years as an athletic director and coach have taught him the true value of school-based sports programs.

“Interscholastic athletic programs are special,” Lintner said, “and an athletic director must help guide the implementation of guidelines to maintain a level playing field while using the arena of competition to advance the mission of our schools.”

Lintner will provide Fenton High with a new vision to the athletic department with his different experiences as an athletic director.

“What I will bring to Fenton Highis energy and dedication,” Lintner said. “I enjoy working with athletes and coaches, and I take pride in hosting well-organized events. I have a strong work ethic and commitment to students. You will find that I am personable and approachable. I work very hard to help guide students through difficult situations and provide problem-solving strategies.  

Lintner looks forward to what the future holds for him and the athletic department at FHS.

“I really look forward to working with the impressive athletes and programs in Fenton and doing them in the beautiful training and competition facilities,” Lintner said. “I enjoy working with coaches on enhancing their programs and helping them take their programs to new heights.”

While Bakker is still available for athletic questions, Lintner should be students’ first point of contact beginning Feb. 1.