By Ron Holub
VERO BEACH — Jeffery Lamscha begins his first year as Athletic Director for both St. Ed’s middle and upper schools in the midst of a soft economic climate that is not conducive to growth — or even the status quo — for sports programs. Belt tightening measures are being discussed or enacted everywhere.
But Lamscha says will not cut back or downsize the athletic programs in the coming school year. Just the opposite, the new Athletic Director is dedicated to “raising the bar” – with strong support from the school administration.
In his 28th year at St.Ed’s, Lamscha is familiar with the duties of an AD. He previously held the post at the middle school and became Athletic Director for the upper school as well when the decision was made to consolidate the positions.
“I’m really excited to have this position,” Lamscha said. “I’ve always coached and been involved in athletics. This is a great opportunity to be a leader for the athletic program. We have a great program here and I’m ready to take it to a new level. This is new era for St. Ed’s sports and I’m ready to get started.”
His wife, Michelle, chairs the school’s sports association, a group dedicated to advancing the athletic program. That made for a perfect fit. “She jumped right into it with me,” Lamscha noted. “I really don’t see this as a ‘job’ – whatever it takes, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Jeff and Michelle have two sons, Zachary and Jeffery, and a daughter, Mamie. Father and daughter will see each other at home and at school. Mamie is a junior at St. Ed’s.
In the early going, Lamscha envisions his role as “strictly an administrator,” meaning for the first time in 28 years he will not be teaching physical education, although he may return in that capacity by the second semester.
His best initial decision as AD just may be retaining his own services for a 20th year at the helm of the girls’ soccer program.
He will also continue as head coach of the varsity and shoot for his sixth district title.
“My message to everybody is that we’re going to be competitive, and be competitive to win,” Lamscha continued. “But I want to do things the right way. We’re not going to forget about teaching values. The coaches here are great tacticians, but they’re also great teachers. Our philosophy is to use athletics as an extension for teaching values like commitment, respect, sportsmanship and dedication — things that will prepare our students for adult life.”
For the time being, students at St. Ed’s have been spared from the impact that financial woes have had on sports at so many other schools. Lamscha is confident the various sports programs at St. Ed’s will remain viable without the need for schedule reductions or participation fees.
“The budget for the athletic department was set last spring,” Lamscha stated. “It hasn’t changed. We are not dropping any programs in the foreseeable future. The school administration and board of trustees are working very hard to maintain what we have. What’s great about St. Ed’s is that we always offer opportunities. We do not want to lose a thing, and for that we will fight tooth and nail.”
One of two major coaching vacancies was filled when Lamscha welcomed David Underill as the new Director of Aquatics.
Interviews are underway to select a new head coach for the varsity boys’ basketball team.