Witt finds his niche as Northview AD

9/13/2005

It didn't take long for Jim Witt to settle in as Northview's athletic director.

A month into the school year, Witt wouldn't consider being anywhere else. The former Lake High principal, who has filled the void at Northview left by retired athletic director Larry Jones, feels at home working in the Sylvania school.

"It's been very smooth," Witt said of the transition. "I've had a lot of support from the [Northview] coaches and administrators and Larry Jones is only a phone call away."

Witt, 40, served two years as principal at Lake, but his background working in education included work as an athletic director. He spent five years as Otsego's athletic director prior to his employment at Lake.

"I'm excited to be back into the athletic part of it," he said.

Admittedly, the past couple of years working at Lake hadn't been the most ideal situation considering the Suburban Lakes League school has struggled to financially support extracurricular activities after local residents have voted against a tax levy to fund school programs such as athletics. Supporters of the athletic programs had to raise thousands of dollars to guarantee fall sports.

A tax levy for the school district is on the upcoming November ballot.

"My hope is that it passes," said Witt, whose children still attend school in the Lake district.

Witt accepted the opportunity to serve as the Northview athletic director with mixed feelings knowing he still has ties to the Lake community.

"It was a difficult decision for us from a family standpoint," Witt said. "It was an opportunity that we felt we couldn't pass up."

Christy Titus didn't just cross the finish line first in the Tiffin Carnival Division I girls cross country race.

The Bowling Green senior made it look easy as she ran away from the field of more than 200 runners. She covered the course in a winning time of 18 minutes, 46.20 seconds, eight seconds faster than the runner-up.

Titus' victory helped the two-time defending state champion Bobcats place second in the team standings behind a strong Massillon Jackson team. Paige Lane finished 13th overall

(19:35.50), followed by Shannon Titus (22nd, 19:51.10), Barbara Powers (27th, 19:57.25) and Alyssa Glenn (33rd, 20:06.40) to help the Bobcats' cause in the team competition.

Also, Northview's Tamara Masters came through by finishing 29th (20:01.15) while Southview's Jene Marillier placed in the top 100 at 90th (21:32.30).

Southview's Kevin Lanning continues to show why he's one of the top all-around kickers in the area. The Cougars' senior came through with three field goals during a 30-19 victory over Start on Friday.

His longest effort of the night sailed through the uprights for a school-record 46-yarder. He also made good on attempts of 37 and 21 yards. Lanning also kicked field goals of 35 and 28 yards a week earlier against Rogers.

Lanning's significance to the Cougars doesn't end with attempting field goals, extra points and kickoffs. He has averaged just under 40 yards per punt through three games.

Contact Donald Emmons at:

demmons@theblade.com

or 419-724-6302.