BLAKE GARBERICH APPOINTED AS NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

The Clark-Shawnee Local School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Blake Garberich as the district's new Athletic Director following a comprehensive interview process involving coaches, community members, and administrators. While his official start date is not until July 20th, Mr. Garberich will begin transitioning into his new position in the coming days. 

A longtime educator, coach, and leader within the Clark-Shawnee community, Garberich brings more than two decades of experience serving Clark-Shawnee students both in the classroom and through athletics. He currently serves as a seventh-grade math teacher at Shawnee Middle School and has held numerous coaching positions throughout his career.

Garberich has served as Shawnee High School Site Manager since 2023, overseeing game operations, event management, ticketing, and the behind-the-scenes logistics necessary to ensure successful athletic contests. 

Garberich began coaching for Clark-Shawnee while he was a student at Wittenberg University and continued for many years holding roles including Varsity Boys Basketball Assistant Coach, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach, High School Track Coach, and multiple middle school coaching positions. As head coach of the Shawnee Girls Basketball program, he earned Clark County and District 9 Coach of the Year honors in 2018 after leading the Braves to one of the most successful seasons in program history.

Garberich earned a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Ohio University in 2024 and holds the designation of Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). He earned his Bachelor of Education degree from Wittenberg University in 2007 where he majored in Middle Childhood Education with concentrations in Mathematics and Social Studies.

"We are excited for the future of Shawnee Athletics under Blake's leadership and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on our students, coaches, families, and community,” stated Mr. Brian Kuhn, Clark-Shawnee Superintendent. “I have every confidence that Blake will bring the same passion and commitment he displays in his classroom to our athletic programs.”

As Athletic Director, Garberich will oversee all aspects of the district's athletic programs, including compliance, scheduling, event management, coach supervision, student-athlete development, and community engagement. His experience, commitment to student success, and deep understanding of Shawnee's traditions position him well to lead the district's athletic programs into the future. 

“I am excited for this opportunity to serve as the next Athletic Director for Clark-Shawnee,” commented Blake Garberich. “I am entering my twenty-fourth year as a member of this community. I care deeply about our school district and the kids I serve, not just because I’ve worked here for the past 23 years, but because this is my home too. I’ve been an employee, a teacher, and a coach, but I’m also a community member and parent to 4 daughters that have and currently attend our schools. I have invested a lot of time and effort into ensuring all kids I’ve taught or coached have had positive, educational experiences that will last them a lifetime. I look forward to ensuring our coaches do the same thing for our children and the district that I love so much.”

Throughout his career, Garberich has emphasized the importance of developing student-athletes both on and off the field of play. His philosophy centers on building positive relationships, fostering academic excellence, and creating opportunities for students to grow as leaders and representatives of the Shawnee community. Garberich stated, “I’m thrilled to begin working with our coaches, supporting them on their missions to provide experiences and lessons to be learned outside of the classroom.”

Mr. Blake Garberich will fill the position vacated by Mr. Steve Tincher, who has taken a leadership position with the Northwestern Local School District. Mr. Garberich will join the Shawnee Middle and High School Administrative team alongside Campus Principal Mrs. Michelle Heims, High School Principal Mr. John Stekli, and Middle School Principal Mr. Devin Spitzer.