Loudonville makes three new hires in athletic department

Three new faces will be a part of the Loudonville athletic program going into the 2024-2025 academic/athletic school year.

In a press release, the Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village School District introduced three new hires in the athletic department: Chad Spurlock as the athletic director; Daryl Young as the girls basketball head coach, and Ed Honabarger as the head football coach and Loudonville High School assistant principal.

Former Loudonville head basketball coach and athletic director Tyler Bates announced in March that he would resign from both positions at the end of the school year.

Spurlock takes over as the athletic director with experience in educational leadership and athletic administration. Spurlock served as assistant principal and athletic director at Kingsway Christian School in Orrville, along with his previous role as an athletic administrator and Dean of Students at Green Local School District in Smithville.

“We are looking forward to next school year and our fall athletic season under Spurlock’s leadership,” said Superintendent Jennifer Allerding in the press release. “His experience and passion for athletics were apparent throughout his interview process and we are excited to welcome him into our Redbird community.”

Young will take over the girls basketball team, and during his 12 years of coaching, has guided teams to Arizona state championships. His athletic resume also includes accolades, such as the Ashland Times-Gazette Girls Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

“Daryl is an experienced coach with a successful record in leading basketball teams,” said Allerding. “Our girls had an incredible season this year and are excited to see what next season will bring under Coach Young.”

Throughout Honabarger's football coaching career, he's won league championships, had long playoff runs and won numerous coaching awards. Honabarger will also assume the role of assistant principal at Loudonville High School following Dan Eckenwiler's retirement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ed to the team. His expertise in football and school administration are exciting for our district and our students,” stated Allerding. “Our Redbird football team is a staple in our community, and I am looking forward to the excitement of Friday nights this fall."