North Union softball coach Dawn Draper, left, gives All-Ohio honorable mention player Kennady Ruhl instructions during a timeout at second base. Draper has stepped down as the Lady Cats’ coach. She held the position since 2000. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
North Union is on the hunt for a pair of coaches.
After the conclusion of the 2021 season, NU baseball coach Klarke Ransome turned in his resignation.
A week later, Dawn Draper submitted hers after 23 years at the helm of the Lady Cat softball program.
Ransome led the baseball program for three seasons where he tallied a 27-23 record.
Draper, who started coaching the Lady Cats’ varsity team in 2000, notched a 447-113 record.
She led the Lady Cats to a state championship game and three state semifinal appearances.
NU athletic director Nick Hajjar said both coaches will be missed.
“We are super grateful for what Klarke did with the baseball team and for Dawn’s longevity and commitment to the softball program,” he said. “They both provided great leadership on and off the field.”
Hajjar said he wants to quickly fill the positions in order to give the programs the attention they deserve.
“Our goal is to try and have recommendations for the July board meeting,” he said.
Hajjar, however, said he wants to be “thorough with the process” to get the right people for the jobs.
“We want our coaches to be an extension of the classroom,” he said. “We want them not only teaching sports, but also helping the kids develop as individuals and into adults.”
Hajjar said there has already been interest in both positions.
The baseball coaching position has been posted externally, while the softball position is still going through the internal channels.
He has been pleased with the level of interest.
“There is a lot of attraction to the North Union School District,” Hajjar said. “That has led to a lot of interest in these jobs.”
The AD added the district will be receiving all application electronically and the job posting for the baseball position can be found at www.ohsaa.com.