Former Bethel Park AD moving on from WPIAL
Former Bethel Park athletic director Amy Scheuneman announced her resignation as WPIAL executive director and assumed her new duties as P3R youth programming director.
Her resignation from the WPIAL will take effect June 1 when her job with P3R commences.
A Plum native and Robert Morris University graduate, Scheuneman embarked on her business career at age 22.
She served as the AD at Avonworth High School from 2003 to 2006 before she arrived at Bethel Park. After 10 years, she moved on to North Hills but in 2019 she succeeded Tim O’Malley as the head of the WPIAL.
In fact, she became the league’s first female executive director. Prior to Scheuneman, the organization that oversees all scholastic sports in Western Pennsylvania has had only three full-time executives: Charles “Ace” Heberling (1976-97), Larry Hanley (1997-06) and O’Malley (2006-20).
Scheuneman began her tenure with the WPIAL in July of 2019 as she transitioned from a high school athletic director to the associate executive director. She assumed the helm of the WPIAL amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and was adamant about the need for school and athletics to continue for the students’ well-being throughout that time.
In a time of heightened social injustices, Scheuneman helped create and implement the WPIAL Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council. It has been instrumental in guiding the board of directors through difficult situations.
Through their guidance, the directors adopted a WPIAL Social Responsibility Policy, along with resources to assist schools in addressing cultural deficiencies. The Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council continues to develop plans which will encourage schools to provide a safe and honorable environment for all teams to compete.
“Regardless of the job, I have always worked hard to leave a place better than I found it,” said Scheuneman. “I know that to be true in this position.”
Under Scheuneman’s leadership, the WPIAL created a league-wide food drive in collaboration with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, partnered with the Special Olympics to encourage participants in the “We Finish Together” initiative, and expanded premier championship venues to include the sports of volleyball, tennis, and field hockey.
From a digital standpoint, the WPIAL has expanded its social media reach with the creation of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts and restructured its website to make it more accessible for athletic directors, fans and media.
Scheuneman spearheaded efforts to increase education and awareness of Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) By-Laws through weekly “tidbits” to athletic directors and principals, facilitated a Mental Health Seminar for schools and athletic trainers to better identify and address mental health needs, and hosted an educational training session on Article VI of the By-Laws pertaining to Transfers, Residence and Recruiting.
By streamlining office processes and reducing operating costs, Scheuneman also helped keep the WPIAL in a solid financial position for the future.
“I am truly grateful for the trust and confidence the WPIAL board of directors had in me,” said Scheuneman.
“Interscholastic athletics will always be near to my heart, but I have run this race for 20 years. It is time for me to begin a new chapter and a new race in my life.”
P3R is the new chapter and it will keep Scheuneman on her toes as the organization is behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. It is best know for organizing the City’s acclaimed marathon.
P3R also runs a variety of other high-quality races, events and health and fitness programs throughout the region. The corporation offers activities for all ages and abilities as it attempts to inspire everybody to run and move.
As youth programming director, Scheuneman will be responsible for growing the award-winning Kids of STEEL program. The initiative is designed to help children and their families get engaged and excited about movement and living a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, Scheuneman and her team will continue to build the 4RUN2 Varsity program aimed at middle and high school students looking to be active.
“I couldn’t be more excited to add my passion and my experiences,” Scheuneman said. “I am looking forward to working with the team to enrich and expand the youth program offerings to local communities and schools.
“Coming from a long career in interscholastic athletics, I understand the importance of encouraging kids to ‘move’ at an early age and am excited for the opportunity to be part of that mission.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Amy to our growing team,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO.
“Amy’s experience and proven track record will make it possible for us to not only continue our mission to inspire any and all — especially children and their families — to move, but also will help us grow our programming to reach new audiences and make movement more accessible for everyone in our community.”
Scheuneman resides in Robinson Township with her husband, Paul. The couple have an 8-year-old son, Paul.