The Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) announced on March 27 that Wasatch High School Principal J. Ryan Bishop will take over as its executive director.  Starting in the role next Wednesday, the Heber City-native will help govern high school sports in Utah.  The seventh executi ve director in the association’s 99-year history, Bishop arrives with 27 years of experience in athletics and education. He was the group’s assistant director from 2014-17, helping govern sports like baseball, basketball and cross country. He led the Davis High School football team to a state title as head coach in 2005.  Bishop takes over the role from the retiring Rob Cuff, who was in the position for 17 years.  “Ryan Bishop is an exceptional selection to lead the Utah High School Activities Association,” said Board of Trustees Chair and Ogden School District Superintendent Luke Rasmussen. “His experience as a state championship coach, athletic director, principal and former assistant director of the association gives him a comprehensive understanding of the impact activities have on students and school communities.” Rasmussen said he and the Utah High School Activities Association board hired a “widely respected” candidate who has a clear focus on what’s best for Utah’s high school athletes.  “We are fortunate to have a leader of Ryan’s caliber stepping into this role, and we are excited for the future of the association,” Rasmussen said.  Bishop took the job because he decided he wanted to work with the association and in athletics one more time. He said he will miss the day-to-day interactions with all of the people at Wasatch High School, however.  Bishop will get right to work promoting high school sports in Utah. He believes he can promote sports in the ever-growing Wasatch Front and some of the more rural parts of the state alike.  “In the state of Utah, we’re unique,” Bishop said. “Our growth the last several years across the state has been unprecedented. … But we still have these pockets of rural all across the state of Utah, and I hope the Activity Association, myself and our staff can really be advocates, partners and voices for all.” In his time working in the Wasatch, Davis and Box Elder counties, Bishop has seen the similar importance of high school sports. He will be using the relationships he’s established during his career to try and tackle each school and area’s unique challenges.  Bishop would like to oversee a rise in participation in high school sports. He believes the alignment of his staff and the value placed on high school sports in Utah will help him and the Utah High School Activities Association get that done. “The UHSAA has a strong history because of the people who have led and served before me,” Bishop said. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to building on that foundation to ensure high school activities remain an extension of the classroom and a meaningful part of every student’s experience.” The post State high school athletics governing body tabs Wasatch High School principal as executive director appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less