Coach Ann Pettit, who has been the co-athletic director at Oak Park High School for the past 24 years, is retiring this upcoming fall. Her position will be filled by Tim Chevalier.

Chevalier is currently a teacher and a coach for the boys’ varsity basketball team, and said he is excited to take on the new position.

“As athletic director, your responsibility is to help coaches provide athletes with positive experiences that teach them life lessons as they grow into young adults,” Chevalier said. “Athletics are crucial in helping student athletes learn skills that will be used on a regular basis in the workplace.”

Chevalier said he hopes the transition between directors will go smoothly, and has made sure that he is well prepared for the job.

“I have been working with [Pettit] closely this semester to learn as much as I can before she retires,” Chevalier said. “She has served as Athletic Director for the past 24 years with integrity and skill and there is no doubt that I have very large shoes to fill.”

In this upcoming year, and the years to follow, Chevalier said he wants to maintain the reputation Pettit has worked hard to make for Oak Park’s athletics.

“I plan to help run the athletic department in a way that is consistent with the traditions of excellence and balance we have established in the past and thrive on today,” Chevalier said. “We have [had] excellent athletic leadership at this school for a long time and we plan to keep it that way.”