St. Henry District High School names Jim Demler as next athletic director

St. Henry District High School has announced that Jim Demler will be the school's next athletic director. He replaces Matt Schneider, who will step down from the post at the end of the school year to spend more time with his family.

"I just thought it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. St. Henry is such a great school with a rich tradition of athletic and academic excellence," Demler said.

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Demler graduated from Dixie Heights in 1987, played baseball at Northern Kentucky University, and has remained in the region in various administrative roles. He has been the AD at two schools, first at Ryle (2001-2019) before taking the helm at Villa Madonna.

"He has a great wealth of knowledge, just for the student-athletes," St. Henry principal Grant Brannen said. "He's also one of the most respected ADs in the state, and definitely in Northern Kentucky."

St. Henry has a proud athletics history, winning state titles in track and cross country and excelling on the soccer field and basketball and volleyball courts. Boys basketball coach Dave Faust and volleyball coach Maureen Kaiser have both been at St. Henry for 30 years and will help to make the transition easier for Demler.

"We have two living legends in our building. They both know (Demler) well, and they have great respect for him," Brannen said.

Demler's wife, Jeni, played volleyball for Kaiser and is currently on staff, and his youngest daughter will be a sophomore in the fall.

In November 2022, St. Henry announced they would start a football program, with the first varsity team taking the field in 2026. Demler helped build Ryle's football program in the 1990s and said his experience at a bigger school will put the Crusaders on the right path.

"There's always going to be challenges starting a football program. It's going to take time," Demler said. "I think St. Henry is set up the same way (as Ryle) for success."

Demler also serves on the KHSAA Board of Control, which will give him a leg up in building the Crusaders' football program "the right way," a sentiment that Brannen echoed.

Demler will officially enter the role when Schneider steps down in June.