Athletics Faculty
Kurt Putnam, Athletics Director - 203.869.8464 ext. 176 or kputnam@whitbyschool.org
Kurt graduated from Loughborough University (England) in 1994 and completed his post graduate in education in 1997 at University of London. Kurt has held various positions at Whitby School since 1998. Athletic Director (2001-2008), Dean of Students (2006-2009), Head of Upper School (2009-2012) and Upper School Math teacher 2006-current). He has coached basketball, soccer, tennis, cross-country, baseball and softball. Since 2001 Kurt has been the Greenwich High School Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, winning two FCIAC Champions in 2005 (undefeated season) and 2007, with Runners-Up 2008, 2009. He was FCIAC Coach of the Year 2005, 2007, with FCIAC Tournament Qualification nine of eleven years and has second best winning percentage in FCIAC Conference over past decade. Additionally he holds several key positions in Greenwich as the Greenwich United Coaching Director (2004-current), GSA Coaching Director (2000-2007) and current Board Member. In that time he has won three State Championships, and been Runners-Up twice. With his teams he has won 9 Division 1 County League Titles. Kurt is a staff coach at New York Soccer Club, an elite premier soccer club based in Westchester. He is current owner and director of Cardinal Soccer Camps. Kurt played soccer at West Ham United and Southend United (two pro-academies) and played D1 soccer at Loughborough University.
Jared Trippel, Head of PE/MYP - 203.869.8464 ext. 125 or jtrippel@whitbyschool.org
Jared has a BA in Movement and Sports Studies from Springfield College. Jared has been coaching at Greenwich Soccer Association and Greenwich United travel soccer team for the past ten years. He has also been coaching travel basketball for the New Canaan Black team for the past six years. He was a three sport varsity athlete at Joel Barlow High School in Redding, CT (soccer, basketball and baseball). During the summer Jared is a staff coach with Cardinal Soccer Camps.
Barry Smith, PE/PYP Teacher - 203.869.8464 ext.125 or bsmith@whitbyschool.org
Barry is a native of Northhallerton, England and graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2001 with a degree in Sports Coaching and Exercise Science. Barry was a professional Fitness Instructor and Sports teacher at the elementary school level and went on to receive a degree in Sports Therapy at Teesside University. In 2007, he came to the USA to pursue a career in Soccer Coaching. Barry works with Greenwich Soccer Association as a Coaching Director for their Kickers and Academy programs, designing and implementing soccer curriculums for children aged 5-8 years plus coaching several travel teams. During the summer Barry is a staff coach with Cardinal Soccer Camps.
Jim Irzyk, WECCP Director - 203.869.8464 ext.176 or jirzyk@whitbyschool.org
Jim holds two degrees one from the American International and the second from Southern Connecticut State. Jim brings a wealth of coaching experience to Whitby, where, since 2010 he has served as Director of WECCP (Whitby Enrichment and Co-Curricular Program) and Upper School Math teacher. At Whitby so far he has coached both basketball and baseball. Jim spent 20 years at Choate Rosemary Hall from 1988 to 2008. While there he was Head Varsity Football Coach for 15 years (one undefeated season & three New England Class A Championships), Head JV Boys Basketball Coach and Head Varsity Girls Softball Coach for 15 years (six Founders League championships & four New England Class A Championships). He further supported the athletic program as an intramural coach for co-ed senior soccer, fitness & conditioning class. Jim's appreciation for international education was developed through his time at The International School of Brussels from 1986 to 1988. While there he was the Assistant Varsity Football Coach (Defensive Coordinator / Line Coach), winning two international school championships. Further he was the Head JV Boys Basketball Coach and Head Varsity Baseball Coach, where he had one undefeated season & two international school championships. Jim played D1 baseball at Holy Cross and played in the All-Star Collegiate game at Fenway Park.
