Holly Area Schools athletic director wins prestigious national, statewide honors
Casey Lombard demonstrates district’s commitment to athletics, preparing Bronchos for success, careers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 24, 2025
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377
Holly Area Schools athletic director wins prestigious national, statewide honors
Casey Lombard demonstrates district’s commitment to athletics, preparing Bronchos for success, careers
HOLLY, Mich. — Holly High School Athletic Director Casey Lombard’s dedication to expanding opportunities for all Bronchos to participate in athletics recently garnered both national and statewide attention.
Lombard has been recognized as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and was recently named Region 9 Athletic Administrator of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA) for the 2024-25 school year.
“Casey is instrumental in setting high standards and expectations for our athletic department,” said Eric Curl, Holly High School principal. “Through Parent Nights and Meet the Teams Night, he communicates our three pillars — respect everyone, compete every day, and enjoy the experience. Casey exemplifies the qualities of both an outstanding athletic director and an exceptional human being — one who genuinely cares about student success, leads with integrity, and sets an inspiring example for others.”
Lombard’s leadership, educational background and experience were evaluated for the NIAAA accreditation, which puts him among an elite group of athletic directors across the country who have achieved this level of professional recognition. The NIAAA consists of member state athletic administrator associations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and internationally.
Lombard was presented with the Region 9 Athletic Administrator of the Year award at the MIAAA Mid-Winter Conference on March 15 in Traverse City, an event that drew 500 athletic directors from across Michigan. Region 9 includes northern Oakland, Genesee, Saginaw and Lapeer counties and Michigan’s Thumb region.
“Casey is an invaluable asset to our athletic director team,” said Brad LaRowe, Lake Fenton athletic director and MIAAA Constitution Committee co-chairperson. “His dedication and leadership are truly commendable, and this recognition is well deserved. Holly is fortunate to have him at the helm.”
View a video of Lombard receiving his MIAAA award here.
Lombard has spent 20 years in education, all at Holly Area Schools, and was named athletic director in 2019. He has dedicated himself to encouraging student participation in school athletics and promoting physical fitness. He established the Student Athlete Advisory Council, which gives student athletes an outlet to discuss the challenges they face and gives them an opportunity to develop leadership skills.
“I would like to personally congratulate Casey on these well-deserved honors and for his continued commitment to athletics as part of a well-rounded education that prepares our Bronchos for success,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “Casey goes above and beyond to find new and exciting opportunities for our Bronchos to participate in athletics and improve their physical fitness.”
“It’s an honor to receive this prestigious national certification and to be recognized by my peers statewide for the second consecutive year,” Lombard said. “These recognitions motivate me to find even more opportunities for our students to participate in athletic programs that emphasize teamwork, perseverance and other real-world skills that last a lifetime.”
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Holly High School Athletic Director Casey Lombard, MIAAA Region 9 Athletic Administrator of the Year.