By John Bombatch
XENIA — First-year Xenia High School Athletic Director Nathan Kopp took the time from his busy schedule to tell about what his first few weeks as the Buccaneers’ AD have been like thus far.
QUESTION: What’s it been like since you get started as AD at Xenia High so far?
ANSWER: It’s been an exciting and busy time since I began back in June. The transition has been great. So many people have been willing to help, and the people I have met in Xenia have been very friendly. We have great people that are here for the right reasons, which is to help our young people!
Q: Have there been any unexpected surprises (good or bad) in your first few days?
A: There are always surprises along the way. Being flexible and working through challenges are key when entering a new situation.
Q: With the school district close to receiving monies from the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission, would the combined $55 million (levy and grant combined) help the athletic facilities as well?
A: Absolutely. It will give us all new athletic facilities except for football. These facilities will be some of the top facilities in all of the Greater Western Ohio Conference.
Q: This past Spring, we’d heard that plans were under way to create a new track at XHS. How is this project coming along, where will the track be constructed, and when is the completion date?
A: The track will be out at Doug Adams Stadium and we hope to be able to use it for the 2018 track season.
Q: What are you most excited about for the Fall sports season so far?
A: I have been able to bring back the souvenir fall sports program that will be sold at all fall events. It is a 24-page program with all teams, cheerleaders and the marching band, in grades 7-12. The program will also have football’s all-time records in them. Cost will be $2 each.
I am also excited for Xenia to be a part of the American South division of the GWOC. Teams in our division after realignment are Xenia, Fairborn, Riverside Stebbins, Trotwood-Madison and West Carrollton.