Get to know new Zane Trace athletic director Trevor Thomas
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — There are some jobs that bring a lot of headlines and recognition for the work being done. When it comes to recognizing our local athletic directors, I am not sure this is the case. Athletic directors put in countless hours to prepare to make sports possible, and then follow that up with game management hours as well. Most of their work is done behind the scenes and, unfortunately, the only time they are recognized for their work is when something negative is being reported.
An athletic director plays a huge role in developing and maintaining great programs throughout a school’s athletic department. The relationship between an AD and the head coach of each program is crucial. This impacts scheduling in the non league and it can influence the creation of the overall coaching staff. The athletic director also plays a major role in the financial side of things for each program. This person is pivotal in terms of growing and maintaining athletic facilities that keep their respective school competitive against area schools. These athletic facilities have a considerable influence on winning and losing.
A well-known name to Scioto Valley Conference sports people is now moving into a local athletic director position at Zane Trace. Trevor Thomas, a longtime baseball coach and athletic director at Westfall, is making the move to become the AD for the Pioneers. Thomas was a highly successful baseball coach for the Mustangs, and as the AD, he has seen several Westfall programs (in addition to the baseball program) such as volleyball, softball, and football compete at a state level. The Mustangs also have had some high level individuals in track, cross country, and golf. Thomas also helped soccer grow at Westfall for both boys and girls.
“One of the biggest challenges as an AD is balancing time with job and family,” said Thomas, when asked about the life of an athletic director. “It takes a special wife and kids who are willing to share their dad with everyone all the time. They also have to be 100% on board and really love sports. Being able to put the job aside and spend time with family is tough, but it is essential for doing the job.”
On a personal level, I have coached multiple sports for 27 years, and I have had about eight years of experience in athletic administration. In both, it is very rewarding to watch kids grow, but as an athletic director, you do have a stronger connection to every athlete and every coach in the school.
“The thing I enjoy about the job is being able to provide opportunities for kids to perform, improve, and excel in sports,” said Thomas. “ Not all kids are going to be All-State, All-League, even a starter, but they all can compete, improve, and gain valuable life lessons through sports.”
I hope all the local athletic directors enjoyed some time away in July. I know as the calendar turns to August, an incredible 11-month stretch will begin for all of you. Thank you for all of your efforts in helping local athletics impact our local student-athletes.
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