Boardman A.D. Jim Fox to retire, effective July

The announcement came as a surprise at Wednesday's special board meeting.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- On Monday morning, Boardman High athletic director Jim Fox walked into superintendent Don Dailey's office with a surprise announcement.
Fox said he was retiring. Dailey was stunned.
"I was as taken aback as everyone else," Dailey said. "But after 36 years as an educator, he felt he was ready."
Fox made the announcement public at Wednesday's board of education meeting. He will retire on June 30.
When it came time for the board of education to vote on accepting Fox's retirement, board member Fred Davis turned to board president Mark Huberman and asked, "Does it have to be 5-0?"
Huberman said no.
"Well, then I'm voting nay," Davis said.
His background: Fox, 57, graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1962 and from Mount Union College in 1966. He earned his master's degree at the University of Toledo. He was hired at Boardman in 1987 and named athletic director in 1997.
His children graduated from Boardman and his wife, Joan, teaches at Canfield.
Fox has been a vocal supporter of Boardman moving to the Federal League. He made the announcement on Wednesday so the board wouldn't be influenced when voting on the move.
"This is such a monumental decision that I wanted it to be made on the basis of its merits," Fox said. "It should not be based on the personality of a coach, an athletic director or a principal."
Praised by board: Board president Mark Huberman had high praise for Fox not just as an athletic director, but also as a teacher at Boardman.
"If I had to use one word to describe him, it would be tireless," Huberman said. "He goes far above the call of duty and I can't imagine anyone doing the job better."
Fox will continue to be involved after retirement, especially with tournaments and major athletic events.
Boardman will take applications for the job over the next few weeks. Dave Smercansky, Boardman's assistant athletic director, is a possible replacement, Dailey said.