

Finding a replacement for Todd Willmore as Warren County High School athletic director was so difficult, it took two men to replace him. Principal Chris Hobbs announced Thursday afternoon that Anthony Lippe and Phillip King, two principals and coaches at the school, will be assuming the roles as co-Athletic Directors starting July 1.
Willmore stepped away from the role last month as he prepares to take on the new responsibility of Director of Human Resources for the entire school system going forward. When trying to find a suitable replacement after Willmore held the position for 14 years, Hobbs felt like Lippe and King were both ready.
“After all the interviews, they both set themselves apart with having experience in coaching high school athletics, their organizational skills, conducting district and parent meetings and understanding TSSAA rules and regulations,” said Hobbs.
Lippe, 33, recently resigned after four seasons leading the Lady Pioneer basketball team, but couldn’t pass up an opportunity to stay involved in WCHS sports. Likewise, King has been coaching at Warren County for four years, guiding the same baseball program that he starred for in the 1980s.
King has no plans of leaving coaching to take the position as he just set his 2024 Pioneer roster May 25.
Sharing the job shouldn’t be hard for the consummate professionals and Hobbs believes the position – no longer a stand-along job, but now a stipend – will be served well by two people working together.
“I felt splitting (the position) between two would help in decision making process, spread out game admin duties, meetings and etc. After speaking with other schools that have co-ADs, I thought it would work best here at WCHS at this time,” said Hobbs.
Willmore isn’t going far though. Hobbs said he and the former AD are “still working on roles and responsibilities for the new ADs to be ready for the 2023-24 year.” Willmore can still also offer assistance in his role in human resources and pass along his wealth of knowledge about the gig.
“Mr. Willmore will still be involved with sharing his experience and connections to help with a smooth transition for King and Lippe. Todd will also help make sure that TSSAA eligibility requirements and compliance are being followed through at WCHS along with the Co-ADs,” said Hobbs.
There’s not just a new sheriff in town for WCHS athletics. There are now two.