Greater Amsterdam School District Athletic Director John Salls will be inducted into the Gipper Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025, recognized for rebuilding and reimagining the district’s athletic department and expanding opportunities for student-athletes across all levels.
Since arriving in Amsterdam, Salls has led a wide-ranging effort to strengthen athletics as a support system for students in a Title I community. His work has included restoring programs that had been cut, including swim and cheer, and helping shape major facility improvements, including the design of the new high school gym.
Salls also implemented academic support and accountability initiatives aimed at helping student-athletes succeed beyond competition. Those efforts include an athletic study hall for students who need additional support and teacher feedback systems that track grades, attendance and behavior so athletes receive regular, consistent check-ins.
A major priority under Salls’ leadership has been athlete health and safety. He advocated to maintain a full-time athletic trainer and supported upgrades to the training room, including equipment designed to strengthen rehabilitation resources for students.
To increase equity and access, Salls has expanded modified and intramural offerings, launched elementary-level intramural programming, and pursued mergers with neighboring school districts to ensure Amsterdam students can participate in sports that might otherwise be unavailable due to low numbers. He has also supported Unified Sports and Unified Physical Education, participating alongside students and staff in events such as the Polar Plunge and Truck Pull.
Across the district, Salls is known for being consistently present at events and programs across all seasons, levels and locations, including nights and weekends. He has supported initiatives such as Teacher Appreciation Night, Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, youth summer sports clinics, and a free six-week summer sports program for students in grades 1–8, including students with disabilities.
Salls has also taken on operational challenges directly to keep programs running. During a period of major transportation issues, he earned his commercial driver’s license and drove district vehicles himself to ensure teams could reach key competitions, including postseason events.
In addition to program growth, Salls has emphasized leadership development and character. He launched an Athlete Leadership Club and reinforced a focus on integrity, responsibility and community impact as core expectations for student-athletes.
Salls’ induction into the Gipper Hall of Fame recognizes a hands-on leader whose work has strengthened programs, expanded access and ensured that athletes across the district are supported both on and off the field.