The Athletic Department is integral to the Madison Local Schools community in providing athletic programs and opportunities for our students within the district; MLS believes providing athletic opportunities for students directly enhances their academic education, as lessons learned in the athletic arena transfer to the classroom and beyond.
Many people only know the Athletic Department as the specific athletic teams that compete throughout the school year. The purpose of the entire department, however, encompasses much more than that: the department manages home events and aids all programs in areas of equipment purchase, qualification and certification of coaches, scheduling, fundraising, arranging transportation, monitoring eligibility for student athletes, and assigning of officials for home contests. The Athletic Department is responsible, along with the administration, for maintaining compliance with the regulations set by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), our conference, and the Madison Board of Education. Additionally, the department acknowledges the achievements of the student athletes in regard to athletic letter qualifications, academic achievements, and media announcements.
The Athletic Department is made up of John Dragas, Athletic Director, as well as Secretary Ann Fleischer; High School Assistant Shane Hamilton; and Middle School Assistant Jack Whaley. The team helps with tracking awards, checking eligibility and grades, sending rosters to the OHSAA for competitive balance, greeting officials and visiting teams; setting up and tearing down the concession stands and the gym or field, and managing all events.
Looking ahead, MLS Athletics is entering a new conference beginning fall of 2023, The Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC), which will be altering athletic events schedules.
“We may be asked to host some conference events,” says Director Dragas, “So there is some excitement with new things we will possibly be involved in.”
With the fixing of the track due to the private donation received in the Fall of 2022, the Athletic Department is now looking toward fixing the tennis courts.
“MLS has always been proud of our athletic programs,” states Angela Smith, Superintendent. “Seeing the improvements made not only in those programs, but in the trajectory of our facilities, is an incredible opportunity for our students in their athletic interests and goals.”
MLS would like to thank the community for the continued support our Athletic Department receives in fostering safe and empowering environments for our Madison athletes. We are excited to see where these programs take us in the coming years!