The governing body for boys high school athletics in Iowa is getting a new leader this summer.

On Wednesday, the Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control selected Tom Keating as the organization's sixth executive director. Keating is replacing current IHSAA leader Alan Beste, who announced his retirement in August.

Keating is the current president at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids. He'll begin is new duties with the IHSAA on July 1, 2019.

Source: Iowa High School Athletic Association
Source: Iowa High School Athletic Association
loading...

“I am excited to join the IHSAA as its next executive director,” Keating said in a news release. “The IHSAA’s long-standing tradition of serving its member schools in support of education-based activities is recognized locally and nationally. Working with an outstanding staff and board, as well as dedicated administrators and coaches across the state, it will be my goal to enhance the already outstanding programs offered at the IHSAA.”

Keating began his career as a teacher and coach at Maxwell High School in 1977. The Philadelphia native moved on to Dubuque Wahlert High School in 1980 and starting an award-winning run there as a teacher, coach, and activities director. During his time at Wahlert, Keating coached the Golden Eagles to 11 state volleyball championships. He was named the sport's National Coach of the year in 2003.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom Keating to the IHSAA family,” Board of Control chairperson and Humboldt Schools Superintendent Greg Darling said. “The board went through an extensive hiring process with a national search, surveys to schools and staff, and rigorous interviews. Tom has taken a championship work ethic from his coaching career and combined that with invaluable knowledge as an educator and administrator. His exceptional core beliefs align with our vision of the IHSAA.”

Keating became a principal at Xavier in 2004 and has been the school's president since 2018.

A longtime advisory committee member for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU), Keating served on the IHSAA’s Board of Control from 2008-18 and was chairperson in 2014-15. He was a 2003 inductee to the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame.

More From Q98.5