Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
LARWILL – Whitko School Board members approved Drew Benedict as the Wildcats’ athletic director at Monday’s school board meeting.
Benedict was hired as the district’s data specialist and as boys varsity basketball head coach in July. He’ll take on the athletic director responsibilities in January, replacing the outgoing Barry Singrey, who resigned. He will continue as boys varsity head coach, according to a news release from Whitko Community School Corporation.
“I am incredibly honored to serve in the role of athletic director, here, at Whitko Community Schools,” Benedict said. “I would like to thank our superintendent, Dr. Amy Korus, principals Kathy Longenbaugh and J.D. Mauer, and our school board for entrusting me with this great opportunity.”
Prior to his Whitko employment, he was director of operations at Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Knoxville, Tenn., since 2021; director of basketball operations at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, from 2019 to 2020; and men’s basketball assistant coach at Huntington University from May 2016 to May 2019.
He earned a master’s degree from Huntington University in 2019 and a bachelor’s degree, also from Huntington University, in 2017.
Whitko Superintendent Dr. Amy Korus said, “We are excited to welcome Drew Benedict to our administrative team as athletic director. Drew brings a strong background in organizational leadership, which will serve our athletic programs well as he supports students, coaches and staff. We look forward to his leadership and the positive impact he will continue to make at Whitko.”
“Whitko Athletics has a rich tradition built on excellent student-athletes, committed coaches, and immense community support,” Benedict said. “Our goal is to build upon our history by working with our coaches and student-athletes to provide them the support and resources needed to raise our level of success moving forward. We will work tirelessly to develop teams that play for each other, represent our community with pride, and understand the responsibility of putting on a Whitko Wildcat uniform.
“Together, our athletic department will ensure our student-athletes are getting the development needed, rest required, and consistent coaching that creates buy in while eliminating burnout. Whitko Athletics will continue to foster an environment of competition, hard work and togetherness built on trusting relationships, confidence, and a desire to compete with our peers. Our student-athletes will learn valuable lessons through athletics that will set them up for success on the playing field, in the classroom, and life after graduation.
“Our programs are made better because of the student-athletes who compete, coaches who lead, and our community that provides their unwavering support. It is imperative that we, as an athletic department, give that same support back to the community we represent. Go Wildcats!”
Additionally, Alicia Evans assumes corporation nurse responsibilities for Whitko Community Schools following approval of her employment by the school board Monday. She replaces Stephanie Meyer, who resigned.
Korus said, “We are pleased to welcome Alicia Evans as our new district nurse. Alicia has a genuine heart for kids and a deep love for this community, which is evident in the care and compassion she brings to her work. We are grateful to have her serving our students and families at Whitko.”
Evans, a registered nurse, received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, in December 2013.
She worked at Kosciusko Community Hospital from 2010 to 2015 and at Parkview Whitley Hospital from 2015 to 2020.
In addition to supervising the district's health clerk staff, the corporation nurse maintains student health records, cooperates with staff members, students and parents on school medical matters, conducts inservice training programs, and, among other responsibilities, provides medical attention and administers authorized medication for students.
Evans and her five children live in Pierceton.
