Tag Archive for: Athletic Director

LENER LEADS THE WAY FOR TITAN ATHLETICS

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NEW WILMINGTON, PA-  A groundbreaking partnership was announced yesterday between Your Sports Network (YSN) and Westminster College, set to bring broader visibility to the college’s athletic events. In an exclusive Coaches Corner interview, Westminster College Athletic Director Jason Lener and YSN’s DJ Yokley revealed the exciting collaboration, which will see the majority of Westminster’s athletic events simulcast on YSN’s platform.

“We’re super excited about the partnership,” said Lener, a proud Westminster alum. “Anytime we can partner with an alum on any venture, it’s just an added bonus. This is a win-win situation for both Westminster and YSN.”

The partnership aims to shine a brighter light on Westminster’s athletic programs across Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Yokley highlighted, “It is a 50-50 partnership that benefits both sides. For Westminster, this means increased exposure, and for YSN, more content and engagement with our growing audience.”

Lener, who began his tenure as Athletic Director in 2021, expressed deep pride in both his alma mater and the student-athletes he oversees. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be in this role. Our job is to ensure that our student-athletes have a wonderful experience at Westminster,” he shared. The college’s focus on maintaining and improving upon its facilities is also a key component of Lener’s strategy to attract and retain top talent. Recent renovations, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium and ongoing updates to other sports facilities, underscore this commitment.

Looking to the future, Lener revealed plans to further enhance Westminster’s athletic infrastructure. “We’re pursuing a fundraising campaign to add press boxes to our baseball, softball, and soccer/lacrosse fields. Improvements like these help set Westminster apart in a competitive recruitment landscape.”

YSN’s Yokley praised Lener’s dedication and vision, saying, “The commitment that Jason and his team have to all athletic programs is extraordinary. We’re thrilled to be part of promoting the outstanding talent and programs at Westminster.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities, aimed at enriching the college sports experience for athletes and fans alike. “We’re very excited about creating more exposure for current student-athletes and helping prospective students learn more about Westminster,” Lener emphasized.

As preparations for the upcoming athletic season get underway, both Westminster College and YSN look forward to a fruitful collaboration that promises to highlight the excellence and dedication of Westminster’s athletic community.

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MINERAL RIDGE COACH’S CORNER WITH JEN STITH

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH-  In a recent interview on the YSN, Mineral Ridge Athletic Director Jen Stith discussed the significance of her hometown community, the evolving landscape of women in sports, and the potential impact of the expansion of divisions in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).

Stith, who has deep roots in Mineral Ridge as a former student and long-time educator, expressed her personal connection to the community and the special role it plays in the success of the athletic programs. She highlighted the supportive and family-like atmosphere that has contributed to the rise of girls’ sports and the positive relationships between coaches and students.

Addressing the changing perceptions of women in sports, Stith shared her perspective as a woman athletic director in what was traditionally a male-dominated arena. She emphasized the growing recognition of women’s capabilities and the increasing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in athletics at all levels.

When discussing the OHSAA division expansion, Stith expressed optimism about the potential for more competitive balance, particularly for smaller schools like Mineral Ridge. She hoped that the move would provide opportunities for schools of similar sizes to compete at a level where they can excel and achieve success, suggesting that it could lead to more championships.

Stith also touched on the significance of rivalries within the community, underlining the role of community engagement and support in fostering a strong sports culture.

The interview with Jen Stith provided valuable insights into the intersection of community, women in sports, and the future of high school athletics in Ohio. As Mineral Ridge continues to thrive in its athletic endeavors, Stith’s perspective offers a unique and important outlook on the impact of these interconnected elements on the sports landscape.

Overall, Jen Stith’s reflections serve as a testament to the transformative power of community support, the increasing prominence of women in sports leadership, and the potential benefits of the OHSAA division expansion for schools like Mineral Ridge.

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ORANGE COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) TIM PORTER

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- Orange High School has seen a remarkable rise in its athletic performance in recent years, and much of the credit goes to Tim Porter, the school’s esteemed athletic director. In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Porter sat down for a candid conversation about his journey in the world of sports administration.

Porter’s career path wasn’t always about athletics. After working in marketing for 15 years, he made a career shift and became a teacher. It was during his student teaching at Mineral Ridge that he found himself being offered the position of athletic director. Taking a leap of faith, Porter accepted the challenge.

Initially met with skepticism and warnings of burnout, Porter persevered and even pursued a master’s degree in athletic administration. Over the years, he has continuously pushed boundaries and sought innovative ways to promote and support his student-athletes.

One impressive aspect of Porter’s approach is his commitment to making experiences special for the student-athletes. From organizing trips to Ohio State games to capturing memorable moments through his photography, he goes above and beyond to create lasting memories for his students.

Transitioning from a small school to the bigger stage at Orange High School came with its own set of challenges. However, Porter’s determination and commitment remained unwavering. He credits the support of his wife as a crucial factor in managing the demanding schedules that come with his dual roles as an athletic director and a dedicated family man.

At Orange High School, where nearly every sport has a junior high program, Porter found himself having a greater impact on a wider range of athletes. With unique facilities and a larger budget, he has been able to bring a new level of excellence to the school’s athletic programs.

Despite the additional responsibilities and increased pressure, Porter continues to strive for greatness. He constantly seeks ways to improve and does not pay heed to detractors. His ultimate focus is on the success and well-being of the student-athletes under his guidance.

As he looks towards the future, Porter envisions even greater achievements for Orange High School. With a basketball coach who played in the WNBA and a tennis team that has already tasted success, Porter is eager to see what the future holds for his students.

Tim Porter’s unwavering dedication and innovative spirit have undoubtedly transformed Orange High School’s athletic program. With him at the helm, Orange High School is set to thrive and achieve new heights in the world of high school sports.

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NEVER FAR FROM HOME; SIGLER TO SERVE AS AD WITH BEAVER LOCAL

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- It’s hard not to be a little bit romantic about a relationship between a student-athlete and their hometown.  Even more when you talk about their alma mater, and what the lessons learned have done for that person in their life.

For Josh Sigler, there were only a few things that would take him away from his duties as United Local Girls Basketball Coach.  One of those opportunities came knocking over the last month, and Sigler had to answer.

Beaver Local, a place that Sigler has called home since his days in school, and where he currently teaches, had an opening for their Athletic Director position after Bob Beam stepped down to take the AD position at Springfield.  While there were many applicants for the position, Sigler’s resume and passion for Beaver Local made the difference in the hire.

We caught up with the new leader of Beaver Local Athletics to talk about the process and plans he has for the future of the Red and White.

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