SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS FROM LHS AD As we enter this season of gratitude, I’m reminded of how blessed we truly are, despite the many challenges the world has faced this year. It’s been a difficult time for many, but every day, we’ve approached our work with positivity and a relentless drive to make every day our new best. For that, I’m deeply thankful, and I want to take a moment to publicly express my appreciation. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend and stay safe. To start, I am filled with gratitude for my incredible family: my wife, Shanna, my two stepdaughters, Lindsey and DeAmber, their families and grandkids, Mason, Charlotte, and Beatrice. Being the wife and stepdaughters of an athletic director can be a challenge—my hours are rarely “family friendly”—and I’m so thankful for their patience and understanding. I’m also incredibly grateful for the men and women serving in our armed forces who protect our freedom around the world, especially during these uncertain times. As Lebanon's Athletic Director, I want to take a moment to recognize the groups that make our athletic program thrive. First and foremost, I am thankful for our student-athletes. They are the heart of why I love my job. The athletes at Lebanon High School are smart, talented, challenging, competitive, funny, and full of character. Each one of them pushes me to be better, and I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives. I am also incredibly grateful for the parents of our athletes. Their support—whether through time, financial contributions, or emotional backing—makes our success possible. It’s clear how much they care for their children, and I’m honored that they trust us with their most prized possessions. A special thank you goes to our parent volunteers, who dedicate their time to running concession stands, helping with tournaments, and supporting the Lebanon Sports Boosters. To our fans, who faithfully support the Tigers year after year, even without having children in the school, thank you. Your commitment to Lebanon athletics means the world to us. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our coaches. The demands of coaching today are more intense than any of them could have imagined when they first took on the role. The level of competition, the expectations, and the pressure are immense. Yet, our coaches meet these challenges with unwavering enthusiasm, optimism, and pride. They embody what it means to be a coach, and I am proud to work alongside them. They are, quite simply, the best. I also want to thank our Athletic Administrative Assistant, Missy Bradburn, whose dependability and attention to detail keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Without her, our student-athletes and coaches wouldn't be as successful as they are. Wade Thatcher, thank you for your tireless efforts in managing our athletic programs. From streaming games to handling online ticketing and team photos, your “whatever it takes” attitude is invaluable to us. I’m deeply thankful for Bob Ross, who continues to give his time to support our athletic programs, even in retirement. His dedication to our students and community is a true blessing. A big thank you goes out to Faith Hale for keeping our athletes' uniforms clean, and to Kevin Kays, Kevin McCurdy, James Kiplinger, and Mike Wynkoop, whose work on our athletic grounds ensures our fields are ready for competition. I also want to acknowledge the Lebanon Parks Department and Director John Messenger and Supervisor Billy Smith for their ongoing support. To Nicole Smith, Rob Hull, Penny Stout, Axton Hale, Micaela Shue, Ben Thomas, and the entire LHS custodial crew, thank you for your hard work in maintaining our facilities. I am thankful for the partnership with LMS Athletic Director Amanda Skobel and LMS Principal Doyle Dunshee. Their collaboration has been essential in helping us all achieve success. To the many individuals who keep our maintenance, and electrical needs running smoothly, including Adam Malsanka, Jeff Williams, Geoff Hammons, Shane Newlun, Gary Morrow, Joe Howell, and John Triller, thank you for making sure everything works as it should. I’m grateful for the transportation office staff, including Becky, Michael, Deanna, Dave, and Karen, and for all the bus drivers who safely get us to and from games. I appreciate the support of all the teachers and administrators at LCSC, as well as our school board members: Lisa Hutcheson, Craig Parks, Jordan Clouser, Kobe Burtron, and Trey Hendrick. Their understanding of the vital role athletics plays in the education of our students is invaluable. I also want to thank the Central Office Administration & Staff, especially Superintendent Dr. Jon Milleman, Zach Dennis, Connie Bruder, Brittney Robbins, Nicole Asbury, Melissa Moore, and Kari Ottinger, for ensuring our programs are financially stable and safe. Thanks to them, we’ve been able to avoid “pay to play” fees and continue putting student-athletes first. A special thank you goes to Lexi Buis for her work in promoting the achievements of our student-athletes on social media, and to Chad Martin for his help with facility scheduling. I thank Bronsen Smith, and Isaak Hunckler for their help with our ever-changing technology. I’m grateful for the ongoing academic support of Director of Guidance Megan Lewis, her assistant Alexis Jones, and counselors Susan Woosley and Lorie Schroeder, who are always there to help our student-athletes balance their athletic and academic commitments. I want to thank Linda Bartlow, Jana Langebartles, Jaci Coyle, and Michelle Howe for their work in the main office and clinic, ensuring that our student-athletes are well taken care of. I am truly blessed to work alongside LHS Principal Frank Meyer and Assistant Principals Bill Gee, Jeremy Rodibaugh, and Kristen Scott. Their unwavering commitment to putting students first and making tough decisions is a daily inspiration. A huge thank you goes to our Witham Athletic Trainers, Susan Glazebrook and Abby Hulen, and to the entire Witham Sports Medicine team for keeping our athletes safe and healthy. I also appreciate Dr. Herschell Services, Dr. Daniel Kraft, and Dr. Michael Hornbecker for their medical expertise. Strength and Conditioning Coach Noah Rodgers, with assistance from Josh Yoder, deserves special recognition for his dedication to improving our athletes’ strength, conditioning, and injury prevention. His work is invaluable to the long-term success of our programs. I’m grateful to the IHSAA officials who endure criticism and pressure from fans and coaches, all while being underpaid for the vital work, they do to keep our games running smoothly. A heartfelt thank you to our event workers—ticket takers, bench officials, clock operators, announcers, and concession workers. These unsung heroes, including Jane and Jack Phillippo, Steve and Danna Bushman, Amanda Stevens, Bob Ross, Wade Thatcher, Scott Hood, Holli Decker, Mark Arington, Greg Gibbs, Sarah Zell, David Horn, Bill Conley, Joe LePage, Vince and Sharon Hollingsworth, Shelby Boling, Bob Lugenbeal, Christa Parker, Ashley Bailey, and Christen St. Martin—are dedicated, dependable, and always show up for the Tigers. Thanks to Stuart Anstead, Heather Wilson and their team in Food Services for keeping our athletes fueled and ready to compete. I’m also grateful to our LCSC SROs, especially Adam Perkins at LHS, and Chief Steve Smith and the entire Lebanon Police Department for providing security at our events. I also want to thank the media for their coverage of our student-athletes and their achievements, particularly Scott Carney from Radio Mom and Will Willems from the Lebanon Reporter. Your work helps shine a spotlight on our incredible athletes. A big thank you goes to our sponsors and the Lebanon Sports Boosters. Without your generosity, our athletic program wouldn’t be possible. Special thanks to Booster President Natalie Parks, Vice President Mike Gramlin, Secretary Jayme Gee, and Treasurer Shelby Boling, as well as all the booster team members for their continued support. Finally, I’m grateful for the coaches, athletic directors, and student-athletes of our opponents—especially those in the Sagamore Conference and Boone County. The relationships we’ve built through competition are something I truly value. And last but certainly not least, I am deeply grateful for the Lebanon community. You are the heart and soul of everything we do, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If I’ve missed anyone, I apologize. Please know that I am thankful for you as well. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and let’s all take a moment to reflect on the many blessings we’ve received. TIGER PRIDE! Sincerely, Phil Levine, CAA Athletic Director, Lebanon High School