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Athletic director says DeWitt student-athlete participation, facilities and safety investments growing
Summary
Athletic Director Mike Brian told the board student-athlete participation remains near 60% of the student body, the department is expanding facilities and safety measures including 13 AEDs and a new apparel contract with Nike.
Mike Brian, DeWitt High School athletic director, briefed the board on participation levels, team achievements, facility upgrades and safety investments.
Brian reported enrollment of about 955 students and said the athletics program oversees 27 programs, 47 teams, roughly 75 coaches and about 867 student athletes — approximately 60 percent of the high school population. He said 322 student-athletes earned "academic all-league" recognition this year (a 3.5 GPA cutoff used for the district's reporting), and the average GPA for student athletes was 3.64 compared with a 3.36 average for the high school.
On accomplishments, Brian listed multiple league and regional championships across fall, winter and spring sports and noted several individuals who earned state-level honors, including a wrestling state champion and athletes reaching school scoring milestones. He said 21 student athletes have committed to continue academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Brian reviewed facility improvements funded through a mix of district, booster-club and youth-program partnerships: new streaming arrangements for pool events, gym and stadium streaming, new bleachers and safety railings, Freshman Field upgrades (sod, permanent outfield fence), new softball backstop and scoreboard, renovated locker room at the stadium funded by a donation, and the installation of play clocks and a new on-field microphone.
On safety, Brian said the district purchased 13 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) so teams have portable devices during their season and when traveling. He noted the devices travel with teams and are kept in red backpacks so they are visible and distinguishable from other equipment.
Brian told the board the athletic department moved from an Under Armour contract to a Nike contract beginning July 1; he said the district was finishing a five-year contract with Under Armour, that Nike provided more stability and some financial incentive, and that existing Under Armour uniforms will be used until replacement is needed.
Board members asked operational questions about equipment placement and facility priorities; Brian said athletic staff coordinate with maintenance and community partners and that the district participates in bond planning for longer-term facility projects.
No formal board action was required on the athletic report.
