Former Columbia Athletic Director Mike Leonard speaking at the scoreboard dedication ceremony on Friday evening. The bottom of the scoreboard reads “IN APPRECIATION FOR MICHAEL G. LEONARD – ATHLETIC DIRECTOR 2002-2022.”
The East Greenbush Central School District honored former Columbia Athletic Director Michael Leonard at a dedication ceremony for the new scoreboard at Budnowski Field on Friday. Mr. Leonard retired earlier this fall after a 32-year career in education and 20 years serving as Columbia’s athletic director. He returned to the high school campus on Friday evening where he was surprised by a crowd of teachers, administrators, coaches, students and supporters.
After speeches by Superintendent Jeff Simons, Columbia coaches Chris Ciccone and Chris Hosley and Columbia student athlete Natalie Faas ’23, and a performance by the Columbia Cheer team, the bottom of the scoreboard was uncovered and revealed the inscription “IN APPRECIATION FOR MICHAEL G. LEONARD – ATHLETIC DIRECTOR 2002-2022.”
The new scoreboard is the latest addition to the venue which also had the turf field, track and lights all replaced this year as part of the district’s Capital Project.
“It means a lot,” Mr. Leonard said following the ceremony. “It means that hopefully I impacted our school and community, our student athletes, [and] I made a difference. That’s what you always want to do. Not just the wins and losses, but all the other things.”
Congratulations to Mr. Leonard!
Congratulations to Mike Leonard who was honored Friday evening at the new scoreboard dedication ceremony!
He recently retired after a 32-year career in education and 20 years serving as Columbia’s athletic director. @BlueDevils_CHS1 @Columbia_HS_BD pic.twitter.com/dvofFxabHU
— East Greenbush CSD (@EGreenbushCSD) October 24, 2022