Former Clemson University head rugby coach Justin Hickey has taken a job with the Moon Area School District at Director of Athletics and Activities.

Hickey announced earlier this summer that he would be leaving Clemson, and discussed then the fact that he had just earned his PhD in Educational Leadership, and was looking for a position in the athletic director field.

The Moon Area school board approved the appointment during its regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 10.

“Justin Hickey brings extensive experience in athletic administration, facility management, event operations, student-athlete management, organizational management and coaching,” said Superintendent of Schools Curt Baker, who is also the Moon Area rugby coach. “Moon Area School District and, most importantly, our students will benefit greatly from his focus on player and coach development.”

While at Clemson, Hickey was not only the rugby coach, but also served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching courses in coaching, and served as managing editor for Coach and Athlete in Education magazine, written for high school athletic directors. In addition, as head coach of Clemons Rugby, he led the program to Atlantic Coast Conference Championships in 2013 and 2014, as well as an upset of Arkansas State in the Varsity Cup.

"I have a deep passion for developing coaches and student athletes through strong core values,” Hickey said in the school's announcement. “I am excited about the tradition at Moon Area School District, the continued growth and the opportunity to be a part of it now and in the future.”

Hickey has also served on the staff of the Collegiate All Americans and USA U20s, and is the founder and director of Nike Evolution Rugby camps.

Prior to his time at Clemson, Hickey served as head rugby coach at Davenport University, marshaling the program into its current varsity status, and as director of athletics for Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Grand Rapids, Mich. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and personal financial planning from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in education and school counseling from Grand Valley State University in Michigan.

Moon Area HS rugby is an up-and-coming program in Rugby Pa, and finished 4-2 in the Boys Single-School Blue division this past spring, finishing behind West Allegheny and Central Catholic.