LBHS has welcomed a new leader to its athletics program, Mr. Ronnie Barton. He has stepped into the role of sports director, bringing with him a strong belief in the power of sports to teach important life lessons.

“Being athletic director lets me impact all programs, not just one team,” Barton said.

Before taking on this new role, Barton worked as a Special Education teacher. His experience managing IEPs and working with families and staff has helped prepare him for the challenges of being an athletic director, especially when it comes to compliance and keeping student-athletes eligible.

Barton sees success as more than just winning games. He values how athletes respond to failure, their effort, and their sportsmanship. He also looks for coaches who support their players, lead with integrity, and represent the school in a positive way.

One of his biggest challenges this year will be managing time, facilities, and budgets, especially with construction projects happening around campus. Staying organized and keeping open communication with coaches is one of his top priorities.

He also hopes to keep building on the strong support of “Tiger Nation” by making sure athletes feel the encouragement from the school and community.

“Tigers should feel proud to wear the uniform and know that the whole school is behind them,” Barton said.

In his first year, Barton plans to improve communication with coaches and help them better navigate eligibility and other key processes. He also wants to support their growth through training opportunities and access to new resources.

“Attitude, effort, and good sportsmanship are non-negotiables,” Barton said. He believes in creating a culture where both students and coaches strive for excellence on the field and in the classroom.

With a calm, problem-solving approach and years of experience in teaching and coaching, Barton is ready to lead the program forward.

“Once a Tiger, always a Tiger,” he said.