With so much going on in Sports this fall at Beachwood, we take a look at the man who’s been running the show for his third year now.
Exclusive Beachcomber Interview with… Athletic Director Ryan Peters
- What do you look forward to seeing once the regular season begins for every sport?
All the kids and the coaches… when all the kids start returning and seeing all the practices
- Who are some of the new coaches who we will be seeing around the locker room this far?
Head volleyball coach Doug McKinda, and all the new volleyball staff. We lost Laura Healie last year. Doug is a former college coach, and formerly coached here then went to Mentor. Football has a couple new assistants, including Jack Rotsky brought up from the Middle School to serve as a quarterback coach. In soccer we have Mike Hertz, a former professional.
- What do you enjoy most about your job as the athletic director as Beachwood?
Everything… I enjoy working with the kids and the coaches. Also, working with the administration and teachers. I probably have the greatest job out there. I have fun and I have the greatest staff. I think it’s neat to watch a teams progress over the year
- How will the construction/renovations to the school affect how teams practice?
We’re all going to have to work together and be able to adjust quickly. Some days we’ll have to be adaptive, other days we’ll have to be able to move practice. So far, we haven’t had any major changes on the fields.
- Who are your breakout players to look for this season in Beachwood Athletics?
In cross country I would say Isaiah Watts and Julia Friedman. In golf, I would say Jon Tramer, Santi Sirisakkamol with Josh Blaustein. On the soccer team, we have Kaveh Varghai and Blake Atherton and Matt Levine. Girls soccer has many good incoming freshmen. In tennis, you’ve got to look at Eva Muschkin and Kennedy Mulholland. Volleyball is tough to tell, but I would say Logan Jones, Haley Marblestone, and Monique Kaiser. In football, you’ve got to look at Alex Hohl, Joon Kim, Max Schoen, and the Sobel Brothers.
- Who would you say is Beachwood’s biggest rival in the Chagrin Valley Conference and why?
I personally believe it is Cuyahoga Heights because there are good in every sport, and we don’t beat them enough. We should really go after them. They’re a smaller school, but they have tougher kids. Recently I would say Orange and Richmond Heights. More Orange because we are so similar in many ways and we are so close by.
- What big changes can we look for in Beachwood Athletics this year?
A lot more professional development in the coaching staff… I want the coaches pushing our kids harder, physically and mentally. I have told the coaches to make it tougher. We are high school varsity teams looking to compete. Also, we have had the coaches make the kids set goals. Also, more professional development. Tonight the board is voting on the new girls’ basketball coach. In my third year, my mission is to be focused and be driven to be the best.
- Which field could someone find you hanging out the most?
I try to get to all of them; I make rounds throughout the day. I try to get over to the middle school. I’m usually most seen at the football games.
- What’s your message for the students of Beachwood this year?
Enjoy every single second of your high school career. It goes fast; take advantage of all Beachwood has to offer, and give back to your community.