ALLIANCE: A community spanning regions and professions is mourning the loss of Lenny Reich.
Helen’s husband, 48, and Caroline’s father, succumbed to cancer on Monday after a brave battle. His death was announced on various social media platforms.
Reich, a native of northeastern Pennsylvania, was the new athletic director for the Alliance City Schools. He was hired in May to succeed Mike Schott, who left to take a similar position at Canton City Schools.
Prior to that, Reich was the assistant director of athletics and director of sports information at Mount Union University, where he won several awards in collegiate athletics.
He spent 25 years in Mount Union.
Reich was inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame in June and received the Ohio Athletic Conference’s Bill Nichols Media Award in August.
In July, he completed a three-year term on the executive board of College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA).
Reich began his OAC career in 2000 at Capital University in Columbus before joining Mount Union in 2008.
The grief of a trusted friend
An outpouring of love, prayers and condolences from across the country were shared on social media after the news of his death was announced.
Alliance City Schools issued a statement on Facebook.
“Mr. Reich was not in Alliance City Schools very long, but in his short time, he had a positive impact on the athletic community,” the school said. “Even before I was hired as athletic director, I was a fan and supporter of all Aviator athletic programs.”
Mount Union posted on Twitter: “A very heartbreaking and devastating day for the friends and family of such a great man who always put his town first. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers “.
College Sports Communicators said on Facebook: “We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends, particularly his wife, Helen, and daughter, Caroline.
“A multi-award winner, Lenny was a great contributor to college athletics: a trusted friend, an advocate for student-athletes, a talented professional always ready to lend a helping hand and give advice. “.
OAC Commissioner Sarah Otey had this to say about Reich on Twitter: “Absolutely gutted by the news of Lenny Reich’s passing. The OAC was better because of this man’s passion and influence…”
Capital University shared thoughts and prayers on its athletic department’s Twitter account.
“He was a great family man, a great friend and an invaluable member of the sports information profession,” the school said. “Rest in peace, Lenny.”
This story will be updated.
