By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
For 34 years, Roger Bixenman spent his days on fields, courts and scheduling games that shaped recreation in Hays, a role he now prepares to step away from.
Bixenman will retire on July 1, having joined the Hays Recreation Commission in 1992 as sports director and later serving as superintendent for 20 years.
"We've had a good board with a vision, and they've been very supportive of me," Bixenman said. "I can't say enough good things about my staff."
The commission announced in a press release that Matt Cook has been selected as the next executive director. Cook will begin in January and will be cross-trained by Bixenman for six months before Bixenman steps down.
Bixenman said the organization has evolved from a sports-focused operation into a full-service recreation agency offering leisure programs and a wide range of activities.
Bixenman and his wife are originally from Grinnell. He earned his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University in 1989 and later attended the University of Kansas to pursue a master’s degree in sports administration.
Bixenman did not complete his degree, as he and his wife wanted to move closer to home and saw Hays as a family-friendly community. They welcomed their first son in 1990 while living in Lawrence, before a job opening led the family into a new chapter.
"I applied for it and was fortunate enough to get it," he said.
Bixenman returned to Hays in 1992 to serve as sports director for the Hays Recreation Commission, which at the time had only four full-time staff members.
Bixenman said adult sports once drew strong participation, with about 45 summer adult softball teams, but those numbers have declined over time as youth sports and travel teams have grown.
"I remember the first full summer I was here in 1993. We had floods, so I got really good at rescheduling games. All I would do is reschedule games that whole summer," he said.
Bixenman’s second son was born in 1994. Both of his sons grew up participating in Hays Rec programs, with Bixenman coaching their teams in soccer, flag football, basketball and baseball.
"They loved sports. At least if I had to be out there coaching, I could be there with them," he said.
Bixenman oversaw significant facility additions, including the opening of Hays Aquatic Park in 2000 and a 2017 expansion of the leisure center to include the fitness center. The leisure center was previously renovated in 2011, but quickly outgrew that space.
Bixenman said he will have five grandchildren by June. He plans to spend more time with family and attend his grandchildren’s activities. At the same time, he hopes to stay involved with Hays Rec in some capacity.
"I still want to be there for them if they need help or need stuff covered. I am looking forward to the freedom of not having to worry about getting a phone call at night and having to go take care of whatever it is."
Bixenman said Cook is an energetic person and expects a smooth transition. Cook comes from FHSU athletics and brings extensive experience in sports administration and community engagement.
"I'm excited to work with him, and I think he'll be just fine here," Bixenman said.
SEE RELATED STORY: Matt Cook named next executive director of Hays Recreation Commission