News

The Michigan High School Coaches’ Association (MHSCA) recently announced the selection of Novi Athletic Director Brian Gordon for induction into the Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony will take place in the Terrace Room of the Bovee University Center on the campus of Central Michigan University at 1 p.m. on September 19, 2021. Tickets to attend the event will be available on June 1, 2021 on the MHSCA.org website.  

Brian Gordon’s coaching career spans 31 years and three sports in Royal Oak. He has also served as the Athletic Director of Royal Oak (2010-2012) and Novi from (2012-present). From 1990-2010, Brian coached the  Royal Oak Kimball High School baseball team with a record of 419-221. While head coach his teams won  five league championships, four district championships, and one regional championship. During this time  Brian also coached football at Royal Oak Kimball from 1990-1996 with a JV record of 40-23, and from 1997-2002 at Royal Oak Adams Junior High with a 28-7 record. From 1992-1995 he coached 9th grade boys basketball at  Royal Oak Kimball with a record of 49-31. 

As a varsity baseball coach, Brian Gordon has been recognized multiple times for his coaching and service to sport. He has been named District Coach of the Year five times, Regional Coach of the Year two times, All Star Coach; Detroit News Metro Coach of the Year, Oakland County Coach of the Year, Royal Oak Schools Distinguished Coach, and was inducted into the MHSBCA Hall of Fame.

He has also been honored for his leadership and hard work in his position as an athletic director. He has been named the Oakland County AD of the Year, the Region 11AD of the year, received the Allen Bush Award, and the Unified Champion Schools Award (Michigan Special Olympics). 

Brian has also been active in many different sport associations throughout his career. He has served on the MHSBCA Board of Directors ten times, received the Oakland County Past President Recognition, was President of the Kensington Conference, VP of the Kensington Activities Associations, served as a Coaches Advancement Program Instructor, was a MIAAA presenter, and Sport Commissioner (KLAA, OAA). 

Brian Gordon is known for his dedication and tremendous work ethic evident in everything he does, professionally and personally. His motto throughout his career has been, “There may be people who have more talent than you, but there is no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” He is highly respected in his community for his passion, enthusiasm and integrity, which have impacted many generations of student athletes and coaches. 

The MHSCA is a 66-year old association with nearly 12,000 members representing 18 sport related associa tions was founded on the campus of Central Michigan University in 1954. The Hall of Fame is located in the Student Activities Center.

The Novi Community School District is proud to announce Donald M. Watchowski as the next Athletic Director.

“Don emerged as our top candidate after a comprehensive multi-step process,” said Dr. Gary Kinzer, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. “I am confident that he will do an outstanding job leading our athletic program.”

Watchowski has served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Royal Oak High School for the past five years.

He also served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Ortonville Brandon High School (2011-2016) and Richmond High School (2010-2011).

 “I am very excited to soon be joining the Novi Community School District academic and athletic community,” Watchowski said. “We will strive to continue building upon the excellent Wildcat tradition.

“Mostly I look forward to building positive and productive relationships with our staff, teachers, coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and families. That trust will be the foundation for our work of providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes.”

Watchowski is a certified athletic administrator. A member of the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, he has been a past presenter on coach evaluation and development at MIAAA conferences.

He is an innovative athletic administrator and was named the Oakland County Athletic Director of the Year in 2020.  He has served as the Oakland Activities Association’s Unified Basketball Chair (2019-2020). He founded both a student-athlete leadership team and a coaches’ leadership team at Royal Oak High.

He’s been a past president of the Oakland County Athletic Directors Association (2016), the Greater Flint Middle School League (2013-2015) and the Blue Water Athletic Conference (2011).

Watchowski has been a successful teacher and coach. He coached baseball in Birmingham and basketball in Royal Oak and Rochester.

He was a baseball student-athlete at Michigan State (1998-2001) and at Missouri State University (2001-20012). He earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in K-12 educational administration from Michigan State University.

Requirements for all events

• Face masks must be worn that covers both the nose and mouth (applies to everyone regardless of vaccination status)
• Face masks may be removed when eating or drinking in designated areas 
• Groups of patrons (6 or less) must maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more
• No more than 6 people must be seated together in the group; no mingling permitted
• Individuals, including employees, should conduct self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms and close contact prior to attending our events. Individuals, including employees, should not attend any gatherings while symptomatic (even with a negative COVID-19 test or fully-vaccinated against COVID-19)
• Please do not congregate or line up in advance at the entrances to the events 
• Individuals must maintain social distancing during event check in and dismissal
• Patrons will be dismissed by designated sections (zones)
• Patrons may use facility restrooms or portable restrooms located around the venue
• Graduates will receive 4 numbered tickets to invite family/friends to attend commencement 
• A robocall will be communicated to seniors prior to both events to emphasize safety protocols and expectations 
• Venues will be disinfected between events
• Bathrooms will be cleaned frequently during events

Red Carpet/Prom/Senior Sunset Saturday, May 15, 2021 

1. What is the schedule of the day?
   • 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. --  The Red Carpet Scheduled professional photography sessions
   • 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. -- Dinner Dinner on your own around town
   • 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. -- Senior Sunset on the football field
2. Can I bring a date?
   • No. This event is for Novi High School Seniors only.  There can be no dates from other grade levels or schools.
3. What should I bring?
   • Bring a lawn or camping chair if you want to have seating in your zone.
   • If you stay dressed up, bring a comfortable pair of shoes to change into.  No heels or sharp shoes on the field!
   • Bring layers of clothing as it will likely cool off as it gets later in the evening.
4. Will there be a traditional dance floor?
   • No.  A traditional dance floor invites extended close contact with many people.  There is no way to ensure social distancing.  Instead, your group can dance to the DJ’s music in your zone on the field.
5. How many people can be in our group during the Sunset portion of the day?
   • Groups can have up to 6 students.  
6. How many people can be in our picture during the Red Carpet portion of the day?
   • Up to 6 students (wearing masks until the moment the photos are taken)
7. What happens during the dinner break? 
   • This is a time for your group to go out to dinner or to someone’s home for dinner. You are encouraged to dine locally to support our amazing community businesses.
8. Why do we have to wear masks if it's outside?
   • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidance document mandates that individuals attending large outdoor events must wear a face mask that covers both their nose and mouth.  This requirement applies to all individuals regardless of their vaccination status. 
9. How will social distancing occur?
   • Students will sign up in groups of 6 or less and each group will get to choose a zone.  The zones are designed to keep students socially distanced while still allowing them to socialize.  Groups may leave their zones to engage in some of the other activities during the Sunset but groups cannot combine during activities or share zone spaces on the field.