At first, Steve Wishek, Director of Athletics and Afternoon Activities, was turned down when applying to become a teacher. 

Webb had selected the other candidate, and Mr. Wishek was devastated. However, that very afternoon, Webb called him in again, told him the other candidate had changed his mind and that Mr. Wishek was hired on an interim basis. He did not even care about the interim basis; Mr. Wishek was simply thrilled about being hired. 

That occurred in 2003, and he has made history ever since. 

As Director of Athletics and Afternoon Activities, Mr. Wishek has made significant contributions to the athletics program. For instance, he has added boys’ and girls’ golf, boys’ volleyball, and badminton. Many teams have also won league championships for the first time in Webb history. 

For next year, even as he prepares for his departure, he has added intramural sports, various recreational sports with competitions within the school, as an afternoon activity for students who do not wish to commit to a single sport but wish to stay athletic. 

But accomplishments aside, Mr. Wishek values most improving the student experience in athletics. And sometimes, those choices are not the easiest for him.  

For example, back in around 2013, Webb competed in the Prep league, comprising of schools like Flintridge Preparatory School, Mayfield Junior School, and Westridge School. Logistically, this league’s athletic directors were professional and easy to work with for Mr. Wishek and his team. 

But Webb athletes found themselves struggling to be competitive in this league. 

Mr. Wishek decided to make the switch to the current conference. While more difficult for him, Mr. Wishek puts in the extra care to prioritize the student perspective first. 

“It was harder work, but that’s right for our students, [so] we’re going to take on that extra work and make it work,” Mr. Wishek said. 

Mr. Wishek invests in similar care as a community member. In fact, of all he does, he treasures individual interactions most. 

“Advisory is something that I’ve never done before until I came here,” said Danielle Wilson, Assistant Athletic Director. “He has taught me a lot about that.”  

As an advisor himself, his care for the student experience comes in handy. 

“Mr. Wishek, from the outside, seems to be a pretty intimidating guy, but he’s really a nice guy,” said Tony Gao (‘26), Mr. Wishek’s advisee. “He treats students not just as students but also as people with respect.” 

Mr. Wishek’s legacy lies in not just the contributions he has made to the athletics program at Webb but also the individual interactions that left students and staff understood and supported.