ALLIANCE – A community that extends across regions and professions is mourning the loss of Lenny Reich.
Helen’s 48-year-old husband and Caroline’s father succumbed to cancer on Monday after a courageous battle. His death was announced on various social media platforms.
Reich, a native of Northeast, Pennsylvania, was the new athletic director for the Alliance City Schools. He was hired in May to replace Mike Schott, who left to take a similar position with Canton City Schools.
Prior to that, Reich was the assistant athletic director and sports information director at Mount Union University, where he won numerous awards in college athletics.
He spent 14 years in Mount Union.
Reich was inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame in June, and received the Bill Nichols Media Award from the Ohio Athletic Conference in August.
In July, he completed a three-year term on the executive board for College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA).
Reich began his OAC career in 2000 at Capital University in Columbus before joining Mount Union in 2008.
Mourning a trusted friend
Outpourings of love, prayers and condolences from across the country were shared on social media after the news of his death was announced. On the same subject : ‘Pride is protest’ – the power of the people’s voice is better in the midst of politics and pandemics.
Alliance City Schools released a statement on Facebook.
“Mr. Reich has not been at Alliance City Schools for long, but in his short time, he has made a positive impact on the athletic community,” the school said. “Even before he was hired as the Athletic Director, he was a supporter 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 people first. Please keep his family in your thoughts and your prayers.”
An unfortunate update as former Sports Information Director @LennyinOhio passed away earlier this morning. A very heartwarming and devastating day for friends & family of such a great man who always put his people first. Please keep his family in your thoughts & a prayer 💜 pic.twitter.com/kbEeU67Qlw
College Sports Communicators stated on Facebook: “We are sending our sincerest condolences to his family and friends, particularly his wife, Helen, and daughter, Caroline.
“A multiple award winner, Lenny was a great contributor to college athletics – a trusted friend, an advocate for student-athletes, a talented professional always ready to assist a colleague and give advice. . . .”
OAC Commissioner Sarah Otey said this about Reich on Twitter: “Absolutely devastated by the news of Lenny Reich’s death. The OAC was better because of this man’s passion and influence.. .”
Absolutely devastated by the news of Lenny Reich’s death. OAC was better because of this man’s passion and influence. He was an advocate for his SAs, his school and (particularly meaningful to me) women in athletics. I will honor him every day in the way I serve this conference.
Capital University shared thoughts and prayers on its athletic department’s Twitter account.
“He was a great family man, a tremendous friend, and an invaluable member of the sports information profession,” the school said. “Rest in Peace, Lenny.”
Correction: Lenny Reich was at Mount Union University for 14 years. This story has been updated to correct the number of years.
