Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 has announced a new leadership structure for Kahok Athletics.  

The move, which was approved by the Board of Education at their March meeting, will combine oversight of the Collinsville Middle School and Collinsville High School athletic programs.  Both schools currently have their own athletic directors.  

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, CHS Athletic Director Clay Smith will become district athletic director with responsibility for both programs.  

He will be supported at Collinsville High School by current assistant athletic directors Colton Rhodes and Hank Mathews. Branden Henson has been named assistant athletic director for Collinsville Middle School.  

Henson, also a special education teacher, will be on-site day-to-day at Collinsville Middle School to serve as the point of contact for CMS players, coaches and parents.  

Speaking about the new athletic department team, Smith said, “Each of us brings a unique perspective, strong work ethic and deep dedication to serving our students, coaches and community.”

Under this new structure, a primary focus will be strengthening unity across all levels of CUSD 10 including intermediate school, middle school, and high school programs. 

“By aligning our efforts, we aim to create a consistent experience for our student-athletes that emphasizes development and a shared Kahok identity from the earliest stages through graduation,” said Smith.

“This leadership team reflects our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our student-athletes while fostering a culture built on pride, integrity and accountability.”

The district athletic department will continue to build on the Kahok tradition of excellence on the field and in the classroom. 

“We are excited to have consistent leadership in our athletic departments at CHS and CMS. The energy and passion that Mr. Smith, Coach Rhodes and Coach Mathews bring on a daily basis will be a great addition to CMS and their coaching staff,” said CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich.  

“Paired with Coach Henson taking on the role of assistant athletic director at CMS, and his ability to build strong relationships with students, our student-athletes will benefit both in the classroom and while competing against their peers.  We are excited about what the future holds with our coaches working districtwide with these four individuals,” added Skertich.

“Kahok Athletics is about more than wins and losses.  We have a vision, passion and commitment to student-athletes,” says Smith, “We are about developing young people, building connections and creating experiences that last a lifetime.”