by Jonas L. Smith, CAA, Withrow Athletic Director
The Withrow Athletic Department’s culture and mindset have changed drastically over the past few years. We have revamped our coaching staff with highly qualified individuals in all our sports. Our coaches truly understand the meaning of a student-athlete. That means school sports are an extension of a classroom, and they teach responsibilities of time management, working with others, and paying attention to detail. Withrow’s coaching staff understands academics come first and athletics second.
The expectations are very clear; we want our student-athletes to be leaders in the classroom as well as on the playing field. Being a 7-12 building and having 16 varsity sports, our athletic participation numbers have increased tremendously during my tenure as an Athletic Director. My coaches know that building a strong foundation at the junior high level, with fundamentals being taught, is paramount to our high school programs’ success.
This is our first year back in the CMAC (Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference), after spending six years in the ECC (Eastern Cincinnati Conference). Our coaches, student-athletes, and parents seem to be ecstatic to be back in the CMAC. We have seen a recent uptick in our sporting teams’ success. With no question, sports are the main factor why some kids stay in school. This school year has been a significant challenge with the on-going pandemic in our country. It has increased everyone’s workload as it pertains to education-based athletics across the board. During these difficult times, our goal hasn’t changed; we want to help our student-athletes receive a high school diploma and then enter college, the workforce, or the armed forces.
The 1st Annual Withrow Football Tiger Classic on June 25th was a smashing success. Over 100 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the Kings Island Golf course. A dinner catered by Withrow Alum, Wilma Rosser of Jessie’s Table was perfect. Mark your calendars for June 17, 2021 for the 2nd Annual Golf Classic.
A dedicated team of community volunteers were phenomenal in planning, obtaining sponsors, registering, decorating and getting all the meals ready in Covid-approved containers.
Members of the football team and cheerleaders were a great help setting up, serving, and talking with the golfers, which the golfers greatly enjoyed. The program MC was Solomon Wilcox working with Coach Kali Jones.
Amazing raffle baskets (valued $150-$845), a Mystery Pull, and live auction for an exclusive trip to Marco Island, FL. produced big smiles for the winners. The proceeds have been used to buy new uniforms, feed players before practices and games, etc.
