In the unpredictable world of spring sports in Ohio, where rainouts and makeup games can throw schedules into disarray, there exists a group of unsung heroes: the athletic directors. These individuals, often working tirelessly behind the scenes, play a crucial role in ensuring that athletes get the chance to compete despite Mother Nature’s whims.
Ohio’s spring weather can be notoriously fickle, with rain showers and thunderstorms frequently interrupting outdoor sporting events. When games are canceled due to inclement weather, athletic directors spring into action, coordinating with coaches, referees, and opposing teams to reschedule matches in a timely manner.
Sheridan High School Athletic Director Lance Dupler has been dealing with the Ohio spring sports season for 11 years now. “When I first started as the AD, I would worry a lot about the weather and having to cancel games,” he recalled. “Now I realize that it is spring sports in Ohio and we are at the mercy of the weather. The hardest thing about baseball and softball is that we have to try to squeeze 27 games into a six-week window. That gets tough to do, especially with the bad weather we have had this spring.”
Miller High School Athletic Director Mike Stover begins his battle with Mother Nature on Sunday evenings to prepare himself for the week ahead.
“On Sunday evening I look at the weekly forecast, this gives me an idea of what days I need to start looking at,” Stover said. “I can’t control what is actually going to happen, so I don’t over stress it. If we have to cancel a non-league game, we know the chances of finding a make-up day are pretty slim so we don’t worry about it. If it is a league game, The Mid State League has a window that we try to get the games made up in, and if we have to cancel a non league game to play a league game, that is what we do.”
Athletic directors must navigate a myriad of challenges when rescheduling games. They must consider the availability of facilities, transportation logistics, and the impact on other scheduled events. Additionally, they must communicate effectively with all parties involved to minimize confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Dupler noted the measures that must be taken when events are canceled. “When a cancellation happens, I do these things: Change the game on my calendar/schedule, contact the other school’s AD, contact the umpires, contact the athletic boosters about the concession stand, make the change on the OHSAA computer system called Dragonfly. This is the computer system we use to set up contracts with other schools and the umpires. Change the game on our school website, Contact all of our school personnel of the change, Cancel the bus and reschedule another bus for the new date. Then after all of this is done, we have to find a reschedule date that works for both schools. After a reschedule date is found, then I must contact everyone to let them know of the new date and secure umpires for the new game.”
Despite the challenges they face, athletic directors approach their duties with dedication and professionalism. Their efforts often go unnoticed by spectators, but their impact on the student-athletes they serve is immeasurable.
Athletic directors spend countless hours after the regular school day to make sure that events go smoothly and as scheduled.
Logan High School Athletic Director Keith Myers said, “There is a lot of extra time, but that is part of the job. ... There is some stress from it, but there is stress in every job when it is dealing with people. We are lucky to have a great athletic staff/team and great administrators”
In the eyes of many, athletic directors are the unsung heroes of Ohio’s spring sports scene. Their ability to navigate the challenges of rainouts and makeup games ensures that student-athletes have the chance to showcase their talents and make lasting memories on the field. So, the next time you attend a spring sporting event in Ohio, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of these true heroes.
Most Popular
Comments / 0