Latrobe promotes assistant to replace departing athletic director

By: Jeff Himler
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 10:24 PM

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A former Wildcat wide receiver and safety and a member of the Latrobe Class of 2016 is moving up as the district’s athletic director beginning Wednesday.

The school board on Tuesday promoted Tyler Gustafson, who is in his fourth year serving as assistant athletic director.

He succeeds Zac Heide, who has resigned after serving with the district for nine years.

Heide said in his Jan. 29 resignation letter that he is stepping down to pursue a new career.

“I have had to make many tough decisions to get where I am today, but this is definitely the hardest one,” he wrote.

Friday was Heide’s last day at his district office.

Gustafson learned that Heide is moving on to work with Shamrock Sporting Clays, a skeet shooting range in Somerset County.

Gustafson said he looked to Heide as a role model and mentor.

“I’m going to miss him a lot,” Gustafson said, adding. “I’m sure I’ll stay in touch with him.

Gustafson will receive a $65,000 salary in his new position.

“I’m ready to go forward and work with our staff, our coaches, administrators, faculty and students,” he said.“I’m looking forward to building on those playoff teams we keep getting.

“Year in and year out, we have teams in the playoffs and kids going to college and playing sports. I’d like to keep that growing.”

School board President Andrew Repko praised Gustafson for his dedication.

“No matter what game you show up at, Tyler is there rooting them on,” he said.

A Unity resident, Gustafson holds a sports administration degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

At Latrobe, he previously served as an emergency substitute teacher, volunteer football and wrestling coach and basketball announcer and scorekeeper.

Tags: Latrobe