Although watching from a distance and sometimes from the opponents’ bench, Adam Loria has always had his eye on West Liberty.
Coaching basketball for nearly two decades in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, the coach/teacher accepted his first administrative role in joining the West Liberty School District this past summer as an Activities Director, replacing Ralph Hughes.
Born and raised in Iowa City as a Hawkeye fan, Loria brings coaching success to an affluent West Liberty success story that saw four teams make the state finals last year including softball, soccer, football and volleyball, along with other extra-curricular programs.
“This was a perfect fit for me,” he said, noting when he applied he knew West Liberty had a lot of success recently in the sports world, but said he “really got interested” when he learned of the success of music, FFA and other programs.
He said the fact West Liberty’s community is highly supportive of their school programs also played a role in his decision to take the position. “I’m really looking forward to it,” he said, noting he’s “jumping in with both feet” and hopes to help programs at both the middle school and high school develop “to the next step.”
Loria says one program he hopes to help build upon is girls wrestling, something that is in it’s infancy in West Liberty, noting the state is also promoting the program. He said West Liberty’s agreement with Muscatine on participation in programs not offered in the district is also a plus, noting there were a couple of Comets who bowled last year and says sports like swimming could also be a reality for students.
He said West Liberty has to be very proud as well of their other extra-curricular programs, complimenting an award winning show choir and a nationally known FFA Chapter, noting he’ll be working to build on every aspect of fine arts and other programs – whether it be promoting involvement to create more diversity or simply getting more participants. “Success breeds success,” he said.
Loria said although West Liberty has some fine facilities, it does lack its own soccer field and said that will be one of the future goals the district should be considering as he sets up long and short term goals for facilities and programs.
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