Wayland High School graduate Santino Di Cesare has been hired as athletic director for Muskegon Oakridge Middle School ans High School.

Di Cesare, who starred in football and basketball at Wayland High School and was an all-conference defensive back at Hope College, was previously employed with The Potter’s House High School and Middle School in Wyoming, where he served as athletic director for grades 7-12.

Prior to his work at The Potter’s House, he assisted the athletic director at Wayland High School and at Hope College.

Di Cesare received a bachelor’s degree in athletic administration from Hope College, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University.

Di Cesare is replacing former Athletic Director Gene Gifford, who led the Oakridge athletics program for five years. Gifford announced his retirement last spring of 2017.

Oakridge Superintendent Tom Livezey, who announced Di Cesare’s hiring this week, commented, “We are excited to welcome Mr. Di Cesare to our staff and we’re looking forward to seeing his leadership and connection with our community here at Oakridge.”

PHOTO: Santino Di Cesare, during his all-conference days at Hope College.