COOKEVILLE – Cookeville Leisure Services has a new athletic superintendent – Seth Bruton.
Bruton, a Cookeville native, graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 2013 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies before going on to earn his master’s in Sport Administration from Belmont University in 2015. In his new position with the City of Cookeville, he oversees all city-sponsored athletic programs.
“I’m excited,” he said. “This is a fun opportunity. Cookeville is growing quite a bit, and I look forward to providing new opportunities as well as expanding on programs that have already been offered in the athletic division.”
Before joining Cookeville Leisure Services, Bruton served as program coordinator for Putnam County Parks and Recreation. Prior to that, he was TTU’s facilities and events coordinator and then senior external coordinator.
Bruton was drawn to this career path while in college.
“I think I went through three different degree paths before I realized I wanted to be in athletics,” he said. “During my sophomore year, I got a job as a student manager of the men’s basketball team. I had never thought about working in it before then.”
He had been intrigued by the behind-the-scenes aspects of public athletic events.
Now Bruton is happy to bring his enthusiasm and expertise to Cookeville Leisure Services, where he hopes to enhance quality of life – both locally and throughout the region – through a variety of athletic offerings.
He and his team of athletic coordinators are gearing up for a pickleball clinic to be held March 6 at Cane Creek Gymnasium.
“Pickleball has become very popular, and we’re hoping to expand on it by having tournaments and even leagues,” he said.
Spring adult co-ed softball leagues will begin play April 5 at Cane Creek SportsPlex. Registration will be open Feb. 22-March 26.
Bruton would also like to see some volleyball and kickball leagues within the next few months. Spring, summer and fall youth camps are in the plans as well.
Basketball and soccer will resume when pandemic guidelines allow for contact sports.
“I’m excited and ready to get going and see what we can provide for the city and surrounding areas,” Bruton said.
For more information about the Cookeville Leisure Services athletic division, call Bruton at Cane Creek SportsPlex, 931-520-5224.