The Southwest Ohio Athletic Directors Association recently named Bellbrook High School Athletic Director Charlie O’Dell as the Athletic Director of the Year by the SWDAB and the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA).
The award is presented to individuals who exemplify the highest standards of their profession and who, through their influence on the lives of young people under their direction, have made significant contributions to their school and community.
“This is really a department award, it’s just that my name is on it,” O’Dell said. “It shows what all the coaches have been able to accomplish. This isn’t a difficult job with good coaches and good help. Charlie Luse and Tamara Cary are fantastic. I just make sure everyone has what they need, and I stay out of their way.”
To win the award, O’Dell was nominated by another AD who recognized his work. O’Dell said there wasn’t anything special about this year, but just that overall the athletics department is consistent, the coaches are well organized and the parents are supportive and willing to help out.
"Mr. O'Dell and his team are such an asset to our district," Bellbrook High School Principal Dave Hann said. "Most of his work goes unnoticed. When things run smoothly at our sporting events, it is because of their planning and attention to detail. We are grateful for the work he and his team put in on a daily basis."
O’Dell has been the athletic director at BHS since 2018. He oversees 24 high school sports at the varsity, junior varsity and freshman levels.
O’Dell is a 2002 graduate of Bellbrook. Prior to becoming the athletic director at BHS, O’Dell taught for 15 years as a history teacher.
"We are so grateful for the work Mr. O'Dell and his staff do for our district," Bellbrook Superintendent Dr. Doug Cozad said. "This just goes to show the rest of the community what we already know. That Mr. O'Dell and his staff are among the best in the state."