Dear Friends,

In the midst of the uncertainty and upset caused by the spread of Covid-19 in our country and locality, I wanted to take a moment to share with you some good news. After an extensive nation-wide search, I have hired Harold Barker to serve as our next High School Athletic Director.

Harold comes to us from DeSmet, where he has served as Assistant Athletic Director since 2017. Previously, Harold served at Whitfield as Head Coach for Varsity Golf and Basketball and as a teacher of Math and Science. During his career, Harold has been recognized by MSHAA and the University of Chicago for his excellence as a teacher and coach, has extensive experience in the planning, organization, and management of high school athletic events, and holds a BA in Biology from Washington University (St. Louis) as well as an MS in Athletic Administration from Ohio University.

Just as impressive as his experience and credentials are the testaments to his professionalism, organizational skills, and zeal for service that I have received. Harold is passionate about the mission of our school and has a clear vision for the integral role that athletics play in forming the whole person, addressing adolescent anxiety, and imparting the essential lessons of teamwork and mutual support.

I’m excited to welcome Harold to our community. He will assume his duties in June and be on campus during the hot summer months. Please be sure to extend to him a warm welcome when you see him. I also ask that you join me in thanking Phil Brotherton and Mike Nickolai for their stewardship of High School athletics during the last few months. They have done an exceptional job working with our coaches to maintain Priory’s outstanding athletic program. We have been blessed to have their leadership.

In Christ,

Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B. ’02
Headmaster