Eileen Troy appointed AD

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By Derek Liebig

A Granville woman who spent more than three decades working in high school athletics was selected to Eileen Troybe Granville Central School’s next athletic director.

The Board of Education appointed Eileen Troy to the position Monday night. She replaces assistant principal Dan Poucher, who has served as interim athletic director since January.

Troy said she decided to take the position because she is available and has a passion for the community and the school.

“Granville is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a challenge but Granville has some great resources and we’re going to put them to work.”

Troy, who graduated from Granville High School, brings considerable experience to the role. She served as a coach and athletic director at Greenwich High School for more than 30 years and has held leadership positions within local and state athletic organizations.

From 2012-2014 she served as president of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. She had previously served as the organization’s vice president.

She has also served as referee over the years, officiated basketball and field hockey games.

Troy inherits a program that has experienced its share of turmoil over the past several months.

In January, the board voted to seek admission into the Adirondack League, citing travel expenses, a lack of rivalries and Granville’s inability to field competitive teams in the Wasaren League.

Although Adirondack League officials have delayed making a decision on the matter until at least this fall, some have questioned the board’s decision to change leagues.

Sarah Best Twardy, a successful cross country coach, was critical of the board for not consulting coaches before making the decision. And former athletic director Stephen Palmer, who told officials he believed the league would not accept Granville, turned in his resignation last December before the board voted to change leagues, citing “no-confidence issues with certain board members.”

The district has also struggled with declining participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics.

Troy said one of her first objectives is to examine participation rates and identify trends.

“We need to get the water out of the boat, and then get everyone back in the boat. And then we have to make sure everyone is rowing the boat in the same direction,” she said.

“Granville has always had good athletes. The chemistry maybe hasn’t always lent itself to teams being as successful as some would like,” Troy said. “We’re going to get back on track and it’s going to take everyone who wants to do that to get it done.”

Troy’s appointment was effective beginning March 17.