Athletic director Andy Ewald said the experience and knowledge shown during the application process made it easy for the department to assign new head coaching positions in baseball, boys’ lacrosse and boys’ golf.

According to Ewald, Brian Kelly and Chris Buxby will coach the baseball and boys’ lacrosse team, respectively. Mike Okey and Kevin Jones will share the lead role as co-head coaches of the boys’ golf team.

Ewald said the applicants first apply online, then go before an interview committee made up of the athletic director, a member of the athletic department, strength and conditioning coach Jessica Gust, a head coach from another sport and a student athlete from that sport.

Ewald and the athletic department conduct a thorough background check following the interview process. Then, after all background checks and committee discussions are complete, the committee chooses a coach.

Ewald said the coaches have a lot of experience and bring new ways of coaching that can improve the success and tradition of the programs.

“All four coaches bring good energy and new ideas to their respective programs, and most of the time, change is good,” Ewald said.

Junior Jack Elias said he expects Kelly, boys’ baseball head coach, is a good fit to the program.

“I think he’s going to be good for our team,” Elias said. “He’s going to bring a lot of energy and spirit as well.”

The coaches bring knowledge and background experience not only in their sport, but in the community, Ewald said.

“All four have had a lot of experience in coaching their sports and working with kids,” Ewald said. “Also, a few are Park alumni or have worked in the district so have a good understanding of the kind of kids they are working with.”

Ewald said these coaches were chosen because even after a long interview process they still showed promise and potential.

“In order to fill these positions we had to go through a pretty extensive application and interview process to make sure these positions are filled by the right people,” Ewald said. “We believe we have chosen the right applicants and the right people for these jobs.”