Outgoing Harrisburg AD Fessler Reflects on 15 Years as a Bulldog
Harrisburg Athletic Director Doug Fessler begins MSHSAA assistant executive director duties July 1st. Fessler joined Harrisburg as a business teacher in 2006 before he moved into the AD role in 2013.
Fessler serves as Harrisburg’s golf coach. The outgoing AD assisted Harrisburg’s 2008 state championship boys basketball team. Fessler considers the title at Mizzou Arena one of his favorite memories.
Fessler previously coached Central Methodist women’s basketball. Colleagues Steve Combs and Dan Bachmeier both led their respective hoops programs to two state titles. Current boys coach Kyle Fisher starred for Harrisburg’s 2006 championship team and earned All-Conference honors at William Jewell. Fessler reflects on a coaching fraternity of longtime Bulldogs.
Fessler referenced Ryan Richardson, who replaced Bachmeier as girls basketball coach.
Fessler guided or assisted all but the football and softball teams in his Bulldog tenure. The athletic director also experienced Harrisburg’s rabid fan base.
MSHSAA selected Fessler and Springfield’s Marty Marsh to fill assistant executive director slots. Assistant executive directors Kevin Garner and Don Maurer will retire at the end of the school year. Fessler expects to oversee basketball, baseball, and softball. Hear Fessler’s full interview below.
