Belle Vernon’s Humbert hired as Bethel Park AD
Matt Humbert has been hired as the new athletic director at Bethel Park High School. He replaces Laura Grimm, who left Bethel Park in June to become the athletic director at Winchester Thurston School.
Humbert comes to Bethel Park via Belle Vernon. He spent 11 years in a similar position at Belle Vernon Area School District. He will assume his new role in early October
“Bethel Park is a 5A institution that’s academically and athletically successful. It has a lot to offer,” Humbert said. “The district has made a real commitment to providing excellent athletic facilities for all of its sports programs. That investment in student-athletes is obviously something I wanted to be a part of.”
Bethel Park Superintendent Dr. Matthew Patterson said he was impressed by Humbert throughout the hiring process. Patterson is confident Humbert is the right person to lead the district’s athletic programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt Humbert to Bethel Park,” Patterson said. “His record of building winning cultures, developing student-athletes and investing in those around him is exactly what we were looking for. We are confident he will make a lasting impact on our programs and our community.”
During his tenure at Belle Vernon, Humbert helped spearhead significant facility improvements, including renovations to James Weir Stadium, the Leopard Hall project, a weight room renovation and a new high school gym. He also worked to transform the culture of Belle Vernon’s athletic department, building a sense of pride and community around the Leopards’ programs that became a hallmark of his tenure.
Belle Vernon Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool praised Humbert’s contributions to the district when he announced his resignation.
“His greatest legacy is the impact he has had on our student-athletes,” Glasspool said. “He has developed leaders, inspired and assisted student-athletes to pursue opportunities beyond high school, and strengthened the tradition of Leopard Pride.
“As athletic director, he elevated all of our programs by supporting coaches, advocating for students, improving operations, and helping Belle Vernon Area maintain its reputation for athletic excellence throughout Western Pennsylvania. His leadership has left a lasting mark on our district.”
Known for his commitment to student-athlete development, relationship-building and program-wide excellence, Humbert brings a proven track record of elevating athletic departments both on and off the field.
Before transitioning full-time to athletic administration, Humbert enjoyed an exceptionally successful career as Belle Vernon’s head football coach. He guidied the Leopards to back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships in 2022 and 2023 and established the program as one of the most respected in Western Pennsylvania. That first-hand experience leading a championship program gives him a deep understanding of the demands placed on coaches and student-athletes alike — a perspective that has defined his approach to athletic administration throughout his career.
Humbert will remain at Belle Vernon through September to ensure a smooth transition for the Leopards before turning his full attention to Bethel Park.
“If I had a short list of schools, Bethel Park was one of them,” Humbert said. “I’m really looking forward to getting to work.”
NEW TOO
Humbert is one of three new directors heading up athletic programs as the new school year commences in the South Hills.
At Mt. Lebanon, Daniel Bonventura has taken over the reins as athletic director for grades 7-12. He replaces John Grogan, who retired after 26 years of service but took a similar position at North Catholic.
The Mt. Lebanon School District approved Bonventura’s appointment during an early spring meeting and he assumed his duties at the end of the 2026 school year.
Bonaventura brings extensive experience in athletic administration and student-athlete development to his new position, having served most recently at the collegiate level.
He was the associate athletics director for student-athlete development at Robert Morris University, where he oversees programs focused on leadership development, career readiness and community engagement for student-athletes. He also serves as the academic liaison for student-athletes and the sport administrator for the men’s basketball program.
Before joining RMU, Bonaventura worked at the University of Pittsburgh as director of mentorship. There he led a program supporting more than 150 student-athletes and 200 mentors.
While serving as a career consultant at Pitt, he helped graduating student-athletes achieve a 99 percent career outcomes rate by connecting them with career opportunities and professional development opportunities beyond athletics.
Earlier in his career, Bonaventura worked at Lamar University in Texas and with Spurs Sports & Entertainment, gaining additional experience in athletics operations and student-athlete support.
At Peters Township, Mark Elphinstone has stepped in to fill the AD post held.
Brian Geyer served 15 years as AD at Peters Township before he accepted a role with the WPIAL as the assistant executive director. He started his AD career at his alma mater, Seton LaSalle, serving from 2006 to 2011.
Before coming to Peters Township, Elphinstone spent 23 years as the Keystone Oaks athletic director. The Bethel Park resident is a member of the WPIAL Board of Directors.
“I am excited to join the Peters Township School District/Community and look forward to building relationships with student-athletes, coaches, families, and supporters while continuing the proud tradition of Indians athletics,” Elphinstone said.
Elphinstone has already had a busy start in his new position. He had to hire a boys basketball head coach as well as a girls’ soccer skipper.
Rob Zewe was hired to succeed Joe Urmann, who resigned in April after six seasons with a 90-51 record. Zewe, who played college hoops at Grove City and Penn State Behrend, was a college assistant coach at Denver, Cal State Fullerton, Nevada and IUP.
A Baldwin High School graduate, Zewe was an assistant coach at Peters Township for the last two seasons, including the 2025 campaign where the Indians finished as WPIAL Class 5A runners-up.
Zewe and his wife, Jhana, have two children, Monroe and Via.