Athletics director outlines participation gains; board approves MOU with astronomy group and advances contracts for trainers and tennis courts

West Lafayette’s athletic department presented participation data and facility needs to the board on April 14, and the board approved an MOU with a local astronomy group and advanced contracts for athletic training coverage and tennis‑court replacement.

Athletic director Joel Strode told the board the district supports a broad program: “We’ve got 22 varsity sports … over 100 coaches,” and he said roughly 55% of students in grades 7–12 participate in athletics. Strode highlighted multi‑sport participation — 288 multi‑sport athletes this school year — and said the high participation rate strengthens program viability.

Why it matters: Participation and facilities drive staffing, scheduling and capital priorities. Board members and athletic leaders cited an existing plan to improve facilities and a specific request to replace the tennis courts and upgrade lights and scoreboards at…