OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Kyle Jarrell, the Dunkirk City School District’s new athletics director, makes his first presentation to the Dunkirk Board of Education at its October meeting.

Kyle Jarrell, the new Dunkirk City School District athletics director, wants his athletes to be “Undeniable.” Jarrell looked undeniable himself with his upbeat, optimistic initial report to the Dunkirk Board of Education.

Jarrell strode the gym floor at School 4 discussing a long list of goals for student athletes and Dunkirk’s athletics programs.

He began by stating, “I’m taking over a program that’s in good condition.” Former Athletics Director Andrew Burnside remains with the school district as a health teacher.

Jarrell said he is altering the district’s athletics logo to include the word “Undeniable.” He explained it as a philosophy for both classrooms and athletic competitions that’s “about character, effort, consistency.”

A T-shirt with the new logo will be gifted to each “Player of the Week” in the district, he added.

Jarrell said he will demand academic accountability from athletes in their class work, and relentless effort and sportsmanship when they are playing.

He wants to create an alignment across all athletics programs in Dunkirk, among all ages, to create “Marauders For Life.” To that end, Jarrell said he planned a meeting with city Recreation Director Alexis Tofil to discuss “blending the city rec department with our athletic department.”

Jarrell wants to bring in mental training coach Khee Nance, who starred in athletics at DCSD, to work with all sports programs. Nance has worked with the varsity volleyball program, which Jarrell coaches.

“What she has done with these girls in helping them overcome mental obstacles is huge,” Jarrell said. He hopes to have Nance meet with every athlete.

Jarrell added that he wants monthly meetings with captains of each team, to cover big-picture, program direction business. He also hopes to get more non-athletes involved in the program, hyping it with photos and videos on social media.

Overall, “My goal is to leave (students) with lifelong experiences and leadership qualities to create outstanding citizens,” Jarrell said.

Jarrell grew up in Irondequoit and has coached basketball, football, and track and field in addition to volleyball.