JOHNSTON – Stan Whitlock narrowed his focus at an early age.

In the 8th grade, when asked what his life goals were, he responded that he wanted to play professional football, teach and coach. Check all three of those goals as accomplished.

Now he’s helping others reach their goals.  

Wardlaw Academy has announced Mr. Whitlock, of Cumming, Georgia, as the school’s new headmaster for the 2010-11 school year. 

"What drew me there as an educator and as a father is that it’s an excellent school and there are some of the nicest people in the world there,” he said. “I’m looking forward to joining them and I consider it an honor and a privilege to be their headmaster. The teachers there really bring their classrooms to life. Also, I grew up in Laurens so I get to come back to the Palmetto State and that’s a really nice thing.

"And there’s not a better feeling in the world than helping a young person to reach their goals I enjoy watching them grow from K-4 until the day they graduate."

Mr. Whitlock possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education and Health from Madison University and a Master’s of Education from Western Governors University.

Prior to his career in education, he was a place kicker in the National Football League for both the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears as well as in the Arena Football League. Two of his years in the arena league he taught school and played football.

"I guess you could find some similarities there (between the pressures of football and education),"he said. "There was lots of pressure, but I enjoyed my time (in the NFL). But the thing about education is that it’s the best job in the world. There are days when I wake up and can’t believe I get paid to do this. The NFL was a rough road because you’re just trying to hang on the best you can, but what I like to tell young people is that no one can ever measure your heart. If you want to do it can be done. You can do it."

In 2002, he injured his knee and decided to call his football career to a close.

For the past 10 years he has been with Mount Vernon Presbyterian School outside of Atlanta, Georgia, as their Director of External Affairs, Assistant Athletic Director and PE / Health Teacher for a student body of over 800.

He and his wife, Leslie, have two daughters, ages 4 and 7, and are excited about becoming part of the Wardlaw Academy family.  

Mr. Whitlock will begin his new duties in early June.