By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The “Getting to Know” series was created for readers to learn more about the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Ravenna High School athletic director Jim Lunardi, who is in his eighth year as the Ravens’ AD — and previously spent 25 years as a Ravenna football coach (defensive coordinator 1997-2000; head coach 2002-2021).

Jim Lunardi transitioned into the Ravenna High School’s athletic director position in January 2016.

Q: Hometown?

A: Willoughby, Ohio.

Q: High school?

A: Willoughby South High School. Class of 1991. Played football, wrestling and baseball.

Q: College?

A: University of Mount Union. Class of 1996. Played football and wrestling. Degree in Elementary Education, with a double minor in Health and Physical Education.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Ravenna High School athletic director.

Q: What inspired you to go into education and also to coach?

A: I loved working with young kids and I loved sports so much that I figured my love for sports would influence others to love sports like I did — and still do!

Q: What made being a coach at Ravenna special to you?

A: I love the kids.

Q: Who was your biggest influence/mentor as a coach?

A: Don Montgomery, my wrestling coach in college and defensive coordinator in football at Mount Union. He always had the time to listen!

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your coaching career?

A: I broke my coach headphones in half at Springfield on my son’s leg somehow. I was a little upset!

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: I love all the classics — Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Big Bang, Cheers.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: I love movies in general. It is hard to narrow it down.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Metallica.

Q: Favorite food/meal?

A: Ribeye steak and crab legs or lobster tail.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Italy.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: There are two pains in life: The pain of discipline and the pain of regret.

Q: Describe your educational philosophy?

A: Set your educational bar high and don’t accept anything below it. You get what you put in!

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Violante’s (no longer open).

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: I loved all of my teachers. I loved school in general!

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of you?

A: I played three sports as a kid and I never had an off-season to train, because I was always in season. I think playing multiple sports was the best thing I’ve ever done!  You can’t expect to succeed if you only put in the work on the days you feel like it.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: Frank Platzar (deceased) — high school wrestling coach and athletic director at Willoughby South.

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Cleveland Browns.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Jack Lambert.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Jose Ramirez.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Paper route.

Q: Family member that always gave you the best advice?

A: Mom, dad and older brother Lenny.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: Galaxy War or Tecmo Bowl.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Reese.

Q: Best friends?

A: Billy Tekavec, David Williams, Keith Stafford, Dave Seline, Matt Torok.