Gregory Aiken 
Richard Talman
Thomas Dale, L.C. Bird get new athletic directors
TDHS: Richard Talman
1.What are your credentials for the job? Previous experience?
I’ve spent 12 years working in collegiate athletics and campus recreation. Most recently I served as the sports director at the Shady Grove YMCA. I started my career at Hampden-Sydney College, where I held positions of director of recreation and athletic facilities, head cross country coach, and assistant soccer coach. After my time at H-S, I spent six years at Emory University in Atlanta, where I held positions including director of intramurals & club sports, director of the Emory sports fitness camp, and head coach of men’s club soccer.
2. What attracted you to the Chester area? What did you know about the area prior?
Having grown up in Chesterfield, I’ve always been drawn to the Chester area. My wife is a 2005 graduate of Thomas Dale, so she’s keeping me up on things I didn’t already know. I love the small town feel and tight knit community.
3. What did you know about your school before you applied for the job, athletics-wise?
I was well aware of Thomas Dale’s rich tradition of success in athletics. We’ve had an amazing athletics history, and it’s something I’m just honored to now be a part of.
4. What’s the best/most notable thing you’ve learned about your school’s athletic history since you’ve been here?
Just how much our alumni continue to support our teams is truly special. It’s not out of the ordinary to see multiple generations of former athletes at any number of our games, and it just goes to show how special of a place this is.
5. What does it take to build a winning program that develops athletes who are not only skilled on the field but also help define “student athlete.”
It all goes back to developing character: coaches who take pride in doing things the right way and students who buy in to sacrificing for each other and earning it every day. We preach that our teams are an extension of the classroom and the lessons learned through playing in our programs will develop our athletes to not just be better students, but better people.
6. What do you know about the Battle of Chester and its history?
It’s been a rivalry for decades and most years at least one team is pushing for a deep run in the playoffs. Add in the close proximity of the schools, kids who have all grown up playing together and a passionate community, and you get the perfect setting for high school football.
7. Who’s going to win the Battle of Chester, and what’s your predicted score?
I’m looking forward to a good game between two highly-skilled teams. Rivalry games are hard to call, but I’ll be pulling for the maroon and gray.
Bird: Gregory Aiken
- What are your credentials for the job? Previous experience?
In addition to teaching full time for the past six years, I was the athletic director for two years at Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.. Before that, I coached high school baseball, swimming, volleyball and basketball. I also coached middle school softball, baseball and basketball. Finally, I served as a baseball assistant coach at my former college, Bluefield State in West Virginia.
2. What attracted you to the Chester area? What did you know about the area?
My family moved to Moseley from Severna Park, Md. I didn’t know much about the area prior, but I was excited for a fresh start and new challenges.
3. What did you know about your school before you applied for the job, athletics-wise?
In doing research on L.C. Bird, I quickly learned how competitive most athletic programs were. The students seemed to be excellent scholars and athletes and served their school on and off the field. I knew I wanted to be a part of the tradition of champions.
4. What’s the best/most notable thing you’ve learned about your school’s athletic history since you’ve been here?
I’m impressed at the family-like nature of our athletic department. Even though folks graduate, they come back to support the school.
5. What does it take to build a winning program that develops athletes that are not only skilled on the field, but also help define “student athlete.”
Our family atmosphere lends itself to hiring coaches that develop winners, but also develop character in our young men and women. Excellence is part of our culture, but so is service. We expect athletes to play their hearts out on the field, so to speak, and put their brains to work in the classroom.
6. What do you know about the Battle of Chester and its history?
This is a historic rivalry that draws more fans than any other sporting event in the area. For the first time in a few years, we have the honor of hosting the game. From what I understand, Bird’s team has been able to taste victory for our past few meetings, and we look forward to that again this weekend.
7. Who’s going to win the Battle of Chester, and what’s your predicted score? L.C. Bird, 28-21
