Josh Shoop claps after a basket that helped Knoch record its first win with him as head boys basketball coach. Shoop is returning to the school as athletic director. Butler Eagle File Photo

JEFFERSON TWP — New man, familiar face and a welcome return home.

Josh Shoop represents all of those things in taking over as athletic director at Knoch High School.

Shoop, 50, was named athletic director earlier in the week. He replaces Kurt Reiser, who has moved on to the Dean of Students position at the school after serving as AD for seven years.

Shoop’s family has a lot of history at the school. He and his brothers played basketball for the Knights and are Knoch graduates. Their father, Les Shoop, was head boys basketball coach at the school for decades. He serves as official scorekeeper at the table during Knight home games.

Josh Shoop served as athletic director at Knoch from 2003-13 before taking on the same position at Pine-Richland for seven years. He was then AD at Plum for a year.

“I needed a change at that point,” he admitted. “I have two young children and I was away from family too much. I took a shot at working in the private sector for a while.”

When Reiser decided to change positions, the Knoch athletic director job was posted in June. Shoop couldn’t resist applying for the job.

“I live in Saxonburg, so it’s right there,” he said. “My kids are 10 and 7 and play baseball, soccer and basketball in our youth program. It will be fun seeing them come up through the system.

“The biggest change that’s happened here since I left was the installation of turf (football field) and that’s exciting for everyone. Coaches change, parents change, names change, but the job is basically the same. I’m there to serve the student-athletes as they come through. They want to compete at a high level and I’m here to assist them and our coaches in enabling them to do that.”

Reiser said the school district received “numerous applicants” for the athletic director’s position and many interviews were conducted.

“Josh stood out and rightfully so,” Reiser said. “We’re all ecstatic to get him back. He knows the school, knows the kids and had plenty of experience here and at other places. We feel very fortunate to get him. He’s extremely enthused about coming back to Knoch.”

Reiser is working on his preparation to become an assistant principal in the district. He plans to have that work complete by the spring of 2024.

While working at Pine-Richland, Shoop oversaw an athletic program that had basketball and football teams make state title runs.

“Seeing all of the organization it takes to do something like that, top to bottom, was a great experience for me,” Shoop said. “Pine-Richland has great people. Knoch has great people, too. I’m a communicative person and I enjoy working with coaches.

“Good things are going to happen here. Part of my job is making sure everyone’s doing the right things, following the rules, treating kids the right way.”

He has Reiser in his corner.

“Josh is going to do a great job,” he said. “Our athletic program is in good hands.”