Dave Shovlain doesn't know how not to coach, but he's about to try.

For the past nine years after graduating college Shovlain has led the Clinton RiverKings boys basketball program to an 83-97 record. But for the past 18 months he has taken classes at Western Illinois and recently graduated with a master's degree in educational administration.

Shovlain turned that degree into a new job, accepting the athletic director position at Davenport North. Pending approval from the school board, which meets July 13, he will start Aug. 1.

"The biggest thing for me is it's going to be a challenge to step out of the coaching role," he said. "Doing that, making sure I'm aware of absolutely everything going on - it's going to be a big change for me."

It is a change that he didn't seek.

"When you start off coaching it seems that's all you want to do," Shovlain said. "I found that it was a good fit, and I enjoyed it. And this opportunity came up. I explored it, and it kind of worked out for me."

His familiarity with the Mississippi Athletic Conference will ease the transition, he said.

"It helps a lot when you know people in the conference," Shovlain said. "I know it's going to be a challenge but it's nice to be able to count on people to help you."

He'll bring a competitive fire and passion, Wildcats boys basketball coach and hiring committee member Steve Overton said.

"I was happy Dave got hired, just put it that way," Overton said. "I like how Dave competes. He goes to work every day and I tell you what, that guy is going to give everything he has to the job just like when he was coaching. If he does that, we're going to be in good shape."

Overton said he hopes Shovlain can stop the turnover in the position during the past few years, he said.

"With his age, where he's at, and knowing that he really want to be an AD, maybe we'll keep an AD more than two years," Overton said. "The last seven years I think we've had five ADs. That's something that needs to stop. The guy has two masters degrees. He stands out."