Richie Porter is living a dream.

The Shadyside native is in his first year as athletic director at Centerburg High, located in Knox County. The Trojans are members of the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference.

Porter’s route to such a position was far from ordinary. Rather, the 45-year-old took a long and winding road to his current post.

Porter was graduated from Shadyside High in 1988 and later earned his degree in sports industry from Ohio University. Instead of heading into the education/athletic arena. He instead opted for a 20-year career in transportation.

“My journey to becoming athletic director at Centerburg was greatly helped by two valley natives. When Ted Wierzbicki was head football coach at St. Charles and Hilliard Bradley, I was on his staff, not so much as a hands-on coach but a behind-the scenes guy,” Porter said. “Then after I got my master’s degree from Western Kentucky in athletic administration, I served a two-year internship with Darrin Meeker (Buckeye South). He is athletic director at Olentangy Liberty.

“I was getting ready to work with Darrin again this year when the Centerburg position opened up. I was hired at the July board meeting after a couple of interviews,” he added. “I oversee 14 high school sports and 10 middle school sports.”

He assumed the post officially on Aug. 1. By getting the job so late in the summer, Porter had to hit the ground running.

“Taking over as athletic director was a daunting task at first, especially really not knowing anyone at the school,” Porter said. “It was a situation where the former athletic director was in the building and was still the head football coach. We worked through it and have no issues.

“One of my first duties was to hire a head boys’ basketball coach,” he added. “Things are going well now. I have a passion for sports. I enjoy going to school everyday. Centerburg is a small town like Shadyside with a home town feel. Everyone is helpful.”

Centerburg is just south of Mount Vernon, some 30 minutes from Columbus.

“The job has been enjoyable with not too many headaches,” Porter said. “Darrin has been very helpful as has Nate Bobek, another Shadyside grad who is athletic director at Hilliard Davidson. I also talk to Kelly Rine (St. Clairsville athletic director) often.”

Porter competed in football, wrestling and baseball during his prep days in Tigertown. He and his wife, Rhonda, have two daughters, Ryleigh, 17, and Reagan, 14. Ryleigh is a senior volleyball and softball player at Columbus Whetstone High.

What does the future hold for Porter?

“My goal is to retire as an athletic director. Centerburg has given me a great opportunity,” Porter said. “I can see myself here for ever. It is a great community, but I may want to go to a bigger school if the right opportunity arises.”

Kapral may be reached at bkapral@timesleaderonline.com