5-6-08

Scott Kennell, Lycoming College’s assistant athletic director and head men’s soccer coach, has been promoted to director of athletics, according to an announcement by Dr. Tom Griffiths, provost and dean of the College.

Kennell, who will continue to serve as head men’s soccer coach, begins his new duties July 1. He takes over for the retiring Frank Girardi, who has held the position since 1984. In December, Girardi announced his retirement as Lycoming’s head football coach following 36 years on the job.

“I have enjoyed working with Scott this past year in his position as assistant athletic director,” said Griffiths. “In following Frank Girardi, Scott has big shoes to fill, but I am confident that he will do an excellent job as our new athletic director. I look forward to working with him to strengthen and augment our athletic programs at Lycoming College.”

In 2007, Kennell finished his eighth season as head men’s soccer coach and second year as assistant director of athletics. Following the season, he was also named the Commonwealth Coach of the Year. During the past five seasons, Kennell has led the Warriors to a 62-29-5 record (.672) with four appearances in the conference playoffs. He has an overall record of 79-64-9 (.549).

“This is a very special moment for my family and me,” said Kennell. “I would like to thank President [James] Douthat and Dean Griffiths for the confidence they have shown in me. I also want to thank Coach Girardi. He has not only been a great mentor to me over the years, but also a great friend. I am thrilled, yet humbled to take over the leadership of the athletic department. I understand and appreciate the rich tradition at Lycoming and the role athletics play within the academic community. I will make a commitment to the Lycoming community to include the traditions of the past, while guiding the athletic department toward the future.”

During his tenure as director of athletics, Girardi began the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame and oversaw the growth of the department, which included the addition of the volleyball, women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s lacrosse programs.

“I have enjoyed the relationships with the coaches through the years as well as with their teams,” said Girardi. “Scott is an excellent choice. He is extremely well-organized and cares about all of the College’s athletic programs.”

Kennell, who earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan in 1998, resides in Montoursville with his wife, Anne, and their two children, Ryan and Allie.