It’s a new year with a new Athletic Director. Bellefonte School District recently announced that Dr. Daniel “Duffy” Besch is the new Athletic Director (AD). 

As a new AD, Dr. Besch plans on growing our athletic programs and giving more opportunities to participate in athletic programs.

“It is hard to be a student-athlete in today’s world, but it is very rewarding if given a chance. I hope students will come to understand the lessons that being part of an extracurricular activity can provide them,” he said.

He plans on achieving his goals by taking his time and using the solid foundation the ADs have left before him. He is excited about working with the athletic department and all the sports Bellefonte offers. 

“I feel a strong bond to Bellefonte and the school district. I have worked in the district as a teacher, administrator, and coach for most of my time at Bellefonte, so this seemed like a natural next step for me,” he said.

Dr. Besch graduated from Bellefonte Area High School in 1990 and has been a science teacher, vice principal, and coach in the district. Becoming an AD may be new to him, but being involved with students is not.

“I have really enjoyed my time at the elementary and getting to watch students learn and grow as they move through elementary school. I will miss this part, but I am excited to get to work with high school-aged students again,” he said.

Something he will miss at the elementary school is engaging with the students. He’s had a fun time being principal at Pleasant Gap Elementary, but again, moving up to the high school feels natural.

“I have been slimed, slept on the school roof, been egged, and the like for challenges across the school. These are things that were fun and exciting for students. I will miss these types of events,” he said.

While he has many “fun” memories to reflect on, he is very passionate about this new role and wants the department to be as successful as possible.

“I am excited to work with the coaches to build upon the pride, tradition, and excellence of our district athletic programs,” he said

Some ways he plans to do so in the future are adding to our weight room facility and expanding the storage for the sports programs. 

Dr. Besch is not only interested in improving athletic programs, but also helping the athletes, especially since athletics helped shape his character and teach him many lessons throughout his life.