Ehlers follows in father’s footsteps, leaving behind LHS legacy and memories
By Tyler Chinn
Luray, July 21 — For more than 35 years, Athletic Director Don Ehlers was a recognizable face throughout the hallways of Luray High School. This past year, he decided this would be his last.
“I grew up around sports my whole life,” Ehler says. “My dad was the athletic director at JMU, coached at Memphis State and played minor-league baseball. My brothers and I were all around it. It was just part of who we were.”
While living in Harrisonburg, Ehlers attended Harrisonburg High School and then went right in line with the family tradition, earning his bachelor’s degree at James Madison University.
Starting back at Luray High School in 1989, Ehlers got a quick start as a teacher and a JV coach. Ten years later, he decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become an Athletic Director, just in time for the LHS Class of 2000. Once Ehlers took over as AD, he never looked back.
“I taught for 10 years, and then they asked if I’d want to take over [athletics],” Ehlers says. “I called my dad, asked what he thought, [and he told me], ‘If you’re gonna stay in education, it’s a good move.’
“He was right. I really did enjoy it.”
Dean Ehlers, Don’s father, was the first director of athletics for James Madison University, a position he held for 22 years. When he arrived at JMU in 1971, it was a small program without football, no conference affiliation, and limited facilities.
During Dean’s tenure, the Dukes participated in the College World Series, won a national championship in archery, were ranked nationally in men and women’s soccer and swimming, participated in the NCAA tournament in men and women’s basketball, worked on the construction of Bridgeforth Stadium and the Convocation Center, served as president of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and saw the founding of the Colonial Athletic Association, which established the Dean Ehlers Leadership Award in recognition of his career contributions to intercollegiate athletics. The annual award recognizes male and female basketball student-athletes who “embody the highest standards of leadership, integrity, and sportsmanship through their academic and athletic achievements.”
Following in the steps of his Virginia Sports Hall of Fame father, Don saw the Bulldogs earn several state championships for Luray in multiple sports, and he watched over a long line of all-state performers. Don hosted numerous signing ceremonies and wished LHS seniors well as they went on to play at the collegiate level. While he says the wins and losses at Luray sometimes blur together, Don says the real victories came in the relationships he built.
“I’ve seen great games, championship nights, unforgettable kids,” Ehlers says. “But what I remember most is traveling, meeting people, and just being part of something that mattered.”
But not all of Ehlers’ job was easygoing.
“You’re at every game. The hours are long. You’re constantly managing — weather, crowds, parents. You carry the weight of each game on your shoulders,” he explains.
Ehlers also credited his wife for making his job a lot easier.
“You’ve got to have a strong spouse at home to make it work.” Ehlers says.
With his 25 years of experience as AD, Ehlers has dealt with numerous changes to high school sports, including transitioning up and down between Class A and Class AA competition and the changing regulations handed down by the Virginia High School League.
“When I started, there was no out-of-season practice — coaches couldn’t even talk to you,” Ehlers says. “And now there’s so much pressure on kids year-round. We’re seeing burnout by junior or senior year.”
While having encountered a lot of change during his tenure, Ehlers gave positive recognition to the student-athletes across Page County as well, stating how competitive athletics is throughout the county.
“Kids are kids, whether they’re from Luray or Page,” he says. “..Most of them are good kids. That’s something that never changed.”
In February, Page County Public Schools announced that its chief financial officer since 2019, Patty Secrist, would follow Ehlers and become the new Athletic Director at Luray High School on July 1. Don used up his last vacation days and ended an era on June 30, after 36 years with the local school division.
“PCPS is grateful to Mr. Ehlers for his dedicated work over the years and wishes him all the best in his retirement,” reads a statement from the central office.
Secrist enters the position with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Emory & Henry College and will complete her Master’s in School Business Leadership from Wilkes University in May of 2025. She has 16 years of teaching experience at both the middle and high school levels, as well as experience coaching and working with youth.
Secrist, who resides in Rileyville with her husband and three children, also volunteers with the Luray Youth Football and Cheer League and has served as a Board Member for Choices, the Council for Domestic Violence in Page County.
Through it all, Don Ehlers said the heart of the work was always within the people, the students, the coaches, the community, and the fellow ADs across the Shenandoah Valley who became like family.
Since moving to the Page Valley and being in Luray, Ehlers has created a wide “family” and dubbed being here “a blessing.”
“We’ve got a few acres, a nice view, and I love to fish,” Ehlers says. “Page County’s been a blessing.”
Now with his free time in retirement, Ehlers has traded in the bleachers for Bass Pro Shops.
“I got a bunch of gift cards at my retirement party,” he laughs.
“Bought myself a kayak. Time to get out there.”
•••
RELATED ARTICLES
I’m been knowing Mr. Ehlers for years he help at bulldog field and LHS for Annual He Cares Back to School Bash. He offered his service to help the youth.Him and wife has a heart of gold. Gonna miss him at LHS Best wishes on retirement
Truly great guy who was utterly committed to students.