The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
OHSAA chief Ross announces resignation
On Jan. 18, Ohio High School Athletic Association Executive Director Dr. Dan Ross announced his resignation at the OHSAA’s January Board of Directors meeting.
Ross’ resignation will be effective on Sept. 15.
“We would like to thank Dr. Ross for all that he has done for the OHSAA and our member schools,” Paul Powers, president of the OHSAA Board of Directors and athletic administrator at Aurora High School said. “Dan has done so many great things for high school sports in Ohio and has touched everyone associated with the OHSAA in such a positive way.”
Ross became the OHSAA’s ninth commissioner on Aug. 1, 2004. He is the former superintendent of Avon Lake schools and has worked in education as a teacher, administrator and official since 1971.
The OHSAA Board of Directors will implement a succession plan and assemble a search committee for the next executive director, a media release said.
“I have been so blessed to serve our member schools in this capacity for 14 years,” Ross said. “I don’t plan to retire from my work of promoting all the positive things that school sports can do for our kids, schools and communities. We’ll see what the future holds for me. It’s time for me to step aside and allow for new leadership of the OHSAA. I would like to thank our current and former staff members and board members who I have worked with during my time at the OHSAA.”
With Ross in charge, the OHSAA added five state tournaments to its list — boys and girls bowling, team dual wrestling and boys and girls lacrosse — and also added divisions in girls soccer, girls golf, boys swimming and football.
More recently, Ross oversaw the Competitive Balance Initiative that was put into place this season. Ross also oversaw the creation of the OHSAA Circle of Champions, the increase of statewide television coverage of state tournaments, the creation of the OHSAA Radio Network, the upgrading the OHSAA website and the addition of the OHSAA Magazine.
“Dr. Ross has been the perfect person to lead the OHSAA,” Powers said.