Mt. Pleasant picks McKeesport, Clarion grad Eckels as new AD

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 | 8:50 PM

Mt. Pleasant hired James “J.J.” Eckels on Wednesday night to be the district’s full-time athletic director.

Allan Bilinsky and Bob Gumbita have been sharing the AD duties since Chris Brunson resigned from the position in 2022.

Eckels will not start officially until July 1.

A McKeesport graduate, Eckels earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Mercyhurst after graduating from Clarion. Though he is limited on administrative experience, he has been around college football for the last decade, and Mt. Pleasant likes his stewardship.

“His experience crosses over,” Bilinsky said.

Bilinsky and Gumbita will mentor Eckels until he takes over.

"The Passing of the Torch"

We extended a warm welcome to our new athletic director, Mr. James Eckels!! We are thrilled to have you join the Viking family. ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/XRhgmKnrZv

— Mount Pleasant Area School District (@MPASDVikings) April 4, 2024

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant