Josh Boyer, the longtime weightlifting coach who helped deliver state championships to Leesburg High School has been named the Yellow Jackets’ new athletic director. He succeeds Spencer Hey, with whom he collaborated closely to elevate the program’s success.

Boyer will also continue coaching weightlifting in his 21st year at the school. He described the transition as a quick and exciting decision after being approached by Lake County Athletic Director Pat Todd and former Leesburg High Principal Pyatt.

“It was a quick decision and I accepted,” Boyer says. “I’m excited to be in the role. I bring lots of good things to the table and look forward to the new crew. It will be a fantastic team.”

He highlighted support staff including new Leesburg High Principal Scott and Assistant Principal Mrs. Warner, noting they have been “wonderful” and easy to work. 

Boyer was instrumental in bringing state titles to Leesburg, particularly in weightlifting, where Boyer’s boys and girls teams have consistently produced state champions and record performances. 

Asked how his championship pedigree will shape his approach as AD, Boyer emphasized coaching development as the foundation for broader athletic success.

“When I think Athletic Director, one of the big primary jobs should be coaching development,” he says. “All these plans people have are nice, but the bottom line is in order to get people to watch games we should produce the best athletes we can. The better we prepare coaches and help them learn new practices, long-term development, attend clinics and help them develop, that in turn helps produce tools for excitement around teams. Then people come and watch, the school makes money which then in turn gives back to the programs. So ultimately, we need coaching development.”

Boyer says the move aligns well with his family situation, with his daughter an upcoming senior and his son entering middle school. He plans to maintain hands-on involvement in weightlifting, confident the training methods will continue yielding state titles.

Representing Leesburg High in this capacity carries deep meaning for the veteran coach.

“I’m excited and this is year 21. I’m not stopping coaching weightlifting and it works very well,” Boyer says. “It makes sense to do this, but for me I just want to do the best job as I can and set our athletes up for the best success we possibly can.” 

Looking ahead, Boyer envisions a program defined by upgraded facilities, increased participation and a competitive edge that makes Leesburg a destination.

“Leesburg success will look different for everyone,” he says. “Be it winning or learning from a loss, we just want our kids to have the facilities and coaching staff to rival anyone’s, making sure they have the tools to find answers they need.”

Key priorities include boosting athlete retention and growing participation across sports, building internal accounts, and generating excitement. A major goal is constructing a “real competitive track” that could position Leesburg as a premier facility in the area. Leesburg also has among the top natural grass football fields in Lake County each year. Boyer indicates Natural Grass isn’t going anywhere. “I’m old school so I love the grass that’s not going anywhere anytime soon.” 

When asked about his message to the young athletes at the school, he delivered a clear message of support.

“We’re going to do everything to put you in the best position to be successful,” he says. “I want to make it clear they participate and play more sports on campus. Build a better, bigger outreach. I want all of our coaches and athletes to do everything we can to allow our student-athletes to be successful.