Hangin With The AD Podcast
Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker (CMAA), Cobb County School (GA) District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews (CMAA), Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics. These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities. We hope you enjoy the time we spend with these special guests. Please leave us a review or rating to help us know how you were benefited from this podcast or how we can improve it. Thank you for listening. And until next time, thank you for spending your time, Hangin with the AD.
Hangin With The AD Podcast
Episode 145: Dr. Patrick Irving - Director of Athletics - Pittsford Schools - Pittsford, NY
Welcome to this episode of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Patrick Irving, Director of Athletics for Pittsford Schools in the Rochester, New York area. Patrick is the first New York athletic director we’ve had on the show, and he brings an incredible perspective from his journey through four AD stops since 2011 to now leading a department of over 115 teams across two high schools.
In this episode, Patrick shares how Pittsford’s unique setup blends both school-specific and combined teams—including football—and the dynamics that come with managing such a large program. We also dive into his philosophy of building a culture where every student can belong, be challenged, and feel supported. Patrick opens up about his service on the NIAAA Publications Committee, the power of writing as a leadership tool, and even what advice he’d give his younger self just starting out as an AD.
We’ll talk about leading with presence, the importance of mission and core values, and how they show up daily in Pittsford Athletics. Whether you’re a veteran administrator or just getting started, you’ll find plenty of insight and inspiration in this conversation. Let’s settle in and get to know Dr. Patrick Irving.