Congrats to C.J. Korf, Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Hugoton Middle/High School, on being named KIAAA - Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association AD of the Week.
Korf is currently in his 11th year as an Athletic and Activities Director, bringing a wide-ranging background in education, coaching, and recreation to his role. He spent six years as the MS/HS Athletic Director and Assistant Principal in Hugoton before taking a one-year position at Southeast of Saline. He then returned to Hugoton, where he has now been back for four years continuing to serve the school and community.
Before stepping into administration, Korf taught K–12 physical education at St. Xavier Catholic School in Junction City and coached football and basketball in Abilene. Even prior to his career in education, he worked for seven years with the Abilene Parks and Recreation Department, where he gained valuable experience organizing youth sports programs. That background in recreation and program management played a major role in shaping his path into education and athletic administration.
Korf earned his bachelor’s degree from Bethany College and later completed his master’s degree in Education from Fort Hays State University. He grew up in Larned and is a graduate of Larned High School.
As Activities Director, Korf’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities where they feel seen, safe, and supported. His leadership philosophy centers on putting students first in every decision he makes, using that perspective as his guide when navigating the many challenges that come with the role.
Beyond wins and losses, Korf defines leadership as supporting both students and coaches while emphasizing the development of core values. He believes success in high school athletics is not always measured by the scoreboard, but by whether coaches are teaching lessons and values that students can carry with them long after their playing days are over.
The most rewarding part of the job for Korf is seeing students succeed, not only in high school and college, but in life. He takes pride in knowing he may have played even a small role in helping students grow into successful adults.
Athletics play an important role in building school spirit and community pride in Hugoton, and Korf believes that pride comes not only from winning, but from how students represent their school and community on the court, field, and in everyday interactions.
In addition to his administrative duties, Korf has remained deeply involved in coaching. He served as head boys basketball coach at Hugoton from the 2015–16 season through 2020–21, rejoined the staff as an assistant for the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, and is once again the head coach this year. He also taught a Sports Officiating class this fall, further expanding opportunities for students to learn about athletics beyond competition.
Korf and his wife Kim have four adult children, Hailey, Colby, Jayden, and Jayce, along with four granddaughters.
With a career rooted in service, student-focused leadership, and a deep understanding of athletics at every level, C.J. Korf continues to make a meaningful impact on Hugoton students and programs.
#sportsinkansas #KIAAA #KansasInterscholasticAthleticAdministratorsAssociation @KIAAAks
1st nine weeks of her Senior yr!
@kisner_layla of Southwestern Heights broke the Vertical, Clean, Pro Agility, Broad jump & Mile record in her weight class of 140 lbs. She now has a total of 18 strength & conditioning records at SWH.
@KansasPregame
Students from Plains and Kismet enjoyed an outdoor adventure at Arkalon Park this morning. City of Liberal Wastewater Department employees spoke about the science behind water treatment practices in our area. It's always fun for our staff to help host these educational events.
Cooper Cranston of Holcomb (3A🏈, 2-0) is already proving he’s one of the best all-around athletes in 3A and he’s only a sophomore 😳
Friday night numbers in 50- W vs Cimarron ⬇️
• 8 carries, 173 yards, 2 rushing TDs
• 8/14 passing, 148 yards, 2 passing TDs
• 3 interceptions on defense, including a pick-six
• Also boomed a 50-yard punt
This comes after an incredible freshman year: 80+ tackles on a state semifinal team.
And his track & field résumé is just as impressive:
• 14.39 in the hurdles as a freshman
• 181-foot javelin throw last spring
From going viral on Sports in Kansas as a junior high phenom hurdler to now being a rising FBS prospect, Cranston is the real deal. #sportsinkansas photo: Chet Kuplen