The Xavier community will welcome a new activities director in July. On Friday, February 24, Xavier announced the newest member to their administrative team, Andrew Umthun. Umthun will start this upcoming summer, just before the 2017-2018 school year.

Umthun is a Des Moines native and has had a variety of experience working with high school students, as well as coaching in the past. Umthun graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2001 and from University of Northern Iowa. He taught at Bishop Heelan Catholic School for six years, from 2007-2013. During his time there, he was an assistant coach for the varsity football team, as well as the boys’ and girls’ track teams. He then went on to be the head coach of the varsity football team at Estherville Lincoln Central High School and direct the Alternative High School program. After his first year, he took over the roles of activities director and assistant principal, which he will continue to serve in these roles until he starts at Xavier on July 1. Umthun is passionate about helping students grow through involvement in activities.

“My favorite part is seeing the growth in students from the start to the finish of their high school experience, especially in their activities. Extra-curricular activities have been a strong passion of mine going all the way back to my time as a student-athlete in high school,” Mr. Umthun said. “The life lessons found in being part of a team, group, or program are priceless and helped make me a better man. Knowing what high school activities did for me growing up and seeing it do the same for others now is why I am so passionate about them still today.”

During the current school year, Xavier administration has had to work a little

harder than usual. When Xavier’s previous activities director, Steve Lueck, resigned in the fall, other staff members went above and beyond to keep the activities program running smoothly. Xavier’s former activities director, Mike Winker, and activities assistant, Pam Barta, have stepped up to the plate. Principal Tom Keating has also been serving as interim activities director.

“It has been a challenge to make sure that the activities program continues to run efficiently and that student experiences stay positive during the transition.  Mrs. Barta has been an absolute Godsend through this period without an official activities director,” Mr. Keating said. “Her work has been most responsible for making sure the activities programs are meeting student needs.”

While much change has taken place this year in the activities department, the staff and community have worked together to help all activities succeed.

Noah Lynch

News Writer