Solon Appoints New Athletic Director

SOLON, OH — The Solon Schools have appointed Jim McQuaide as the new athletic director.

McQuaide will replace Mark McGuire, who is retiring on June 1. McGuire will continue to work part-time for the athletic department, providing administrative oversight for the football program and ensuring continuity of coverage for all Solon sporting events.

"We really feel fortunate having Jim on our staff, being able to assume these responsibilities," Solon Superintendent Joseph Regano said during the May 13 Board of Education meeting. He added that McQuaide would continue a legacy of honesty and integrity from Solon athletic directors.

McQuaide signed a two-year contract, which will carry him through 2022 with the Solon Schools. While McQuaide will become the athletic director, he will continue to serve as the district's head varsity football coach.

Regano noted that the decision to move McQuaide into the athletic director role, while preserving his status as head football coach, is unusual. He said that at the end of the two-year contract, the district will evaluate McQuaide both as a football coach and as athletic director.

During football season, McGuire will return to the district and aid in any capacity surrendered by McQuaide due to his duties as football coach. McGuire will assist the district in an hourly capacity, according to Regano.

"We think this is a workable solution," Regano said.

The Solon Board of Education approved McQuaide's hiring as the athletic director during the May 13 meeting. The hiring was approved unanimously.