Austintown welcomes new Athletic Director

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Neighbors | Submitted.Austintown recently welcomed Lewis VanHoose as the new Athletic Director.

The Austintown Local School District is pleased to announce that Lewis VanHoose will become the district’s the new Athletic Director as of August.

VanHoose, currently the athletic site manager at Olentangy Liberty High School and Equipment Manager for The Ohio State University, will bring his extensive experience in high school and collegiate sports to the district. He will be replacing Rob Conklin, a veteran of education for more than 40 years, who has served as athletic director for eight years.

VanHoose also brings along an advanced degree in Sports Leadership from the Concordia University and a Bachelor’s of History and Communication from the University of Dubuque. His degrees, along with his impressive list of previous careers, have more than prepared Lewis to excel as Athletic Director.

He has been a part of more than 15 conference and six national championship teams in his career. Working under coaches such as Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel, Lewis is not a stranger to hard work. He has successfully managed budgets, assisted in the purchasing supplies and equipment for several athletic groups, and according to both Meyer and Tressel, is not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

“I am excited to join the Fitch family and build a positive culture for our athletes and stakeholders,” VanHoose said. “I look forward to helping our athletes learn valuable life skills through the many experiences athletics can provide. The Austintown Local School District has tremendous history of achievement and long standing traditions which I am eager to see continue and build upon to lead us to the next level of success.”

VanHoose was one of several candidates for the position, but his experience spoke for itself, which in the end placed him on the top of the prospect list.

“We are very excited to bring Lewis on board,” Superintendent Vince Colaluca said. “With his vast experience at OSU and the great foundation Rob Conklin has established, I believe he will bring the program to a new level. He will be a valuable asset to the Falcon family.”