The Camas athletic program is looking for a new leader.
Terry Cavender, the athletic director for the past six years, is leaving his position this summer.
Cavender, who has worked in education for 41 years, said he is not ready to retire. But with family living in the Puget Sound area, he decided to go north.
“Personal reasons. My decision is based on family needs,” said Cavender, who has accepted the athletic director’s position at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma.
Camas High School was turning into a sports power when Cavender arrived in August, 2006.
The program continued with that trend the past six years.
“This has been a great job,” Cavender said. “Quality student athletes, a supportive community, and a supportive administration.”
The Papermakers have had several memorable moments in competition in recent years, too many to note.
But Cavender said he was quite impressed with last fall, when every team — football, girls soccer, volleyball, girls and boys cross country — made it at least to Washington’s Sweet 16 in Class 3A.
“It has been an awesome ride,” Cavender said. “Across the board, we have a fairly strong program. I’m certainly walking away with a number of positive memories.”
The school announced Cavender’s decision on Wednesday and has not named a replacement. Cavender said he is working through the end of the month and will be available to help in any way during the transition.
This was Cavender’s second stint in Southwest Washington. He worked for Ridgefield High School from 1974-79.
