LHS Athletic Director Wins IADA Division 3 Athletic Director Of Year

LEMONT, IL — Lemont High School Director of Activities and Athletics John Young has been tabbed as the 2023-24 Illinois Athletic Directors Association Class 3A and 4A Division 3 “Athletic Director of the Year," according to a release from the District.

One of seven division winners this year, Young was a finalist for the Class 3A and 4A IADA Athletic Director of the Year award and was honored at the IADA banquet this spring. He previously received this award during the 2014-15 school year.

Young will retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year after 24 years at Lemont High School, and has served as its athletic director since 2001, the school said. During his tenure, 20 of Lemont’s 26 sports have advanced to IHSA State Finals competition. All 12 of the school’s IHSA team state championships – seven in cheerleading, two each in baseball and softball, and one in boys’ wrestling – have come during his time at LHS, as have six individual state titles in boys’ wrestling and one in girls’ bowling, according to LHS.

Lemont’s athletic program has enjoyed success in the South Suburban Conference since its inception in 2006. Lemont has won the Presidents’ Cup - the SSC’s all-sports trophy - 13 times in 18 years, the school said.

Lemont’s athletic facilities have also improved significantly during Young’s tenure. He helped develop the LHS Sports Complex, which serves as home to the school’s baseball, soccer and softball programs, while the school’s football stadium, gymnasium, and wrestling room also have seen significant upgrades.

Young has been an IADA member for more than 20 years, and has served on its Executive Board and chaired its Awards Committee. He also has earned Certified Athletic Administrator designation from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, served as President of the SSC Athletic Directors, and has been a member of several IHSA Advisory Committees.