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WINTERSVILLE -- Greg Stagani is stepping into a new role as athletic director at Indian Creek Local Schools, making him only the second person to hold the title in the district's 30-year history.
Stagani succeeds Joe Dunlevy, who also led a formidable career as a math teacher and boys' basketball coach until his retirement this past year. And while Stagani is admittedly filling some big shoes, he also hopes to put his stamp on the role. He said he is relishing the opportunity to serve as a first-time A.D. and head baseball coach at Indian Creek High School.
The Steubenville resident is a 2012 Edison High School graduate and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from West Liberty University in 2016, as well as his master's degree from WLU in sports leadership and coaching one year later. He went on to coach collegiate baseball at West Virginia Tech for one year, West Virginia Wesleyan for two years and WLU for a year before heading to New England. There he served as a coach for the Worcester Bravehearts in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, plus he taught freshman health and was an assistant baseball coach at Milford High School in Milford, Mass., for four years. He also watched the latter team head to the final four in the state as well as the Elite Eight during his tenure.
But his growing family, which includes wife Noralyn and their eight-month-old daughter, Matilida, prompted him to return to his roots and he took advantage of the opportunity to work at Indian Creek.
"I met with (Indian Creek Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear) in February and he mentioned the possibility of becoming athletic director," Stagani said. "I was hired to teach financial literacy and serve as head baseball coach, as well. I enjoy sports, and being able to talk to the kids and coaches and watch them compete is something I'm most excited for. I've always wanted to be an athletic director but never knew I would get the opportunity."
Baseball has been in his blood since youth, and he played first base and pitched at Edison and continued as a pitcher with the West Liberty Hilltoppers. Stagani was recognized during his time on the field, especially as an All MAC selection from 2014-17, as Regional and National Pitcher of the Week through the Collegiate Baseball Writers Association in 2016, as a 2016 Futures Collegiate League All-Stars participant, and as a 210Sports Best Senior Pitcher recipient through the Futures League. He also recalled playing basketball as a youth and often played against the Redskins while it was headed by Dunlevy.
"I played high school basketball and knew him as a coach. I'm just trying to carry on what he's done and I'm glad I have a very good assistant A.D. in Steve Eft," he said. "It's a mix of emotions; I'm nervous, anxious, and excited. Coach D. was not only an excellent A.D. but an excellent coach. I'm feeling such excitement because it's something totally new to me, and I'm also still getting familiarized with the baseball team."
The ICHS baseball team concluded its season with a strong 18-7 record and a 4-1 mark in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference, while its players have received numerous distinctions such as OHSAA All-Ohio Honorable Mention and OVAC First and Second Teams. Stagani is excited about continuing his career in the district and appreciated the support of officials and staff as he became acclimated with the post.
"It feels good to be back home. I love it and it's exciting to be around Matilda's grandparents. I'm still getting settled into my position at Indian Creek, but my hope is to continue what Coach D. did, and he's done such a great job. I want to get organized and understand what goes with the job as an A.D. and continue the excellence that's here," Stagani commented. "It's very close knit at Indian Creek and the coaches have been great. Everyone I've met from the secretaries to the administrators have been great with helping me get settled."