When Rory Oster graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1997, Camas wasn’t on his radar.
“I don’t remember seeing any Camas teams at the state level,” he said.
After serving as a physical education instructor and a basketball coach for Madras High School, in Central Oregon, Oster ventured into athletic administration.
When the 35-year-old was ready to take the next step into a larger district, Oster came across a job opening at Camas. He couldn’t believe how much the small town had grown in the past 17 years.
“Every time I visited or researched Camas, I just fell in love with it more and more,” Oster said. “Great people, great school, great community, great opportunity.”
Oster was hired as the new athletic director of the Camas School District in June. He replaces Josh Gibson, who continues to serve CHS students as a guidance counselor.
“I want to build relationships with kids, coaches, community members and parents,” Oster said. “All the stakeholders involved. That’s my number-one goal.”
Oster got a taste of the Papermaker spirit during his first football game at Doc Harris Stadium Friday.
“This is an unbelievable atmosphere. I’m excited to be a part of something that means so much to the community,” he said. “Camas has an awesome band, great cheer program, dance program and sports programs. I’m excited just to have a hand in all that and contribute in any way that I can.”
Oster said the number of Papermakers involved in sports this season is impressive. More than 80 freshmen are playing football. The Camas boys tennis team has the most players in the 4A Greater St. Helens League. The girls soccer and volleyball programs have enough participation to fill four teams each.
Slow-pitch softball was offered for the first time this fall. Camas is the only school in Clark County to have two teams.
Oster settles down in Camas with his wife, Robyn, and three children, Rylan, Reagan and Reece.
“I want to be here for the long haul,” Oster said. “I want to see my kids grow up and come through this school district.”
