Niekamp to be next Fort AD

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FORT RECOVERY — The Indians didn’t have to look very far for their next athletics director.

They got one of their own.

Pending approval at Monday’s school board meeting, Brent Niekamp will be named as athletics director for Fort Recovery Local Schools.

“It just seemed like the right time and opportunity,” said Niekamp, who will remain as football coach but give up his position as government and world history teacher. “I’ve worked pretty closely with Kurt (Rammel) the last few years so I feel like I’ve seen at least a glimpse of that job.

“It’s another way I can help contribute to the district. Just kind of a different, exciting challenge, I guess.”

Niekamp will replace interim athletics director Barb Sautbine, who has served in her current role since January. Sautbine filled the void left by Rammel after he announced in November he was resigning from the position he held since July 2013.

Fort Recovery narrowed the field of applicants to three, and Niekamp stood alone as clear choice for the job.

“I felt like he was the best fit for Fort Recovery,” said Sautbine, who first announced the move in an email.

Fort Recovery Local Schools recently altered the AD position to also include transportation director in an effort to combine roles and make one full-time position. Given the added duties, Niekamp said he is looking forward to the task of handling his new responsibilities as well as continuing to lead student athletes on the gridiron.

“I think the main thing is going to be getting a system in place, being organized and planning things ahead of time well in advance,” he said. Niekamp will assume the duties of AD on July 1. “Having some support with my principal (Bill Overla) and other people within the school, I’m glad I have the opportunity to do those things because I’m still passionate about coaching.

“That’s my way to keep some of that interaction with students.”

Niekamp said he may have to delegate more of his coaching tasks to his staff because he’s the athletics director first and foremost. He’s contacted others at area schools who serve as both coach and AD in order to get a feel for how they balance the schedule, and said he’ll continue to pick their brains as he adjusts to his new position.

As for what his wife, Kim, thinks about how much more time he’ll be away from home and their four children?

“She was all about it,” he laughed.

Fort Recovery has seen its fair share of athletic successes in recent years. The football team — with Niekamp at the helm — won the program’s first state championship in 2015. The baseball team went to the state tournament twice, and the Indians have been a staple at the track and field state meet each of the last three seasons.

Niekamp hopes to continue the Tribe tradition.

“One of the things I think about a lot are the student athletes and the athletic department — and I feel the same way about my football program — I want the experience the kids have in athletics to be absolutely top notch,” he said. “I want them to look at that as the best part of their educational experience.”