Downey comes home

By Liz Keller

Published: July 22, 2008

Despite working as a principal in North Carolina for the past two years, Lee Downey was never out of touch with Louisa County, especially when it came to sports.

Downey, who taught in Louisa for six years before making the move south, kept up with the Lions by signing up for athletic updates via email from then-Louisa County High School athletics director Doug Straley.

“That kept me in the loop,” Downey said.

So, when he heard from a friend that the athletics director position was open, he decided to go for it. From there, everything fell into place. Downey was one of 24 applicants for the job.

“I got hired [in Louisa] right out of college and I always wanted to come back here,” Downey said. “I got through to the second interview, and I was approved by the school board on the night of the second interview. The whole process happened within three weeks.”

Downey began his duties on July 1, the same day that Straley started his new job as the principal at the school.

According to Straley, Downey was the perfect fit.

“He knows the excitement that surrounds Louisa athletics and he wanted to be a part of that.” Straley said. “I’m excited about his energy and enthusiasm and that he wants to be immersed in our community. That’s what we’re looking for in an athletic director.”

While in Louisa, Downey taught math at the high school. He was also an assistant for the boys varsity basketball and soccer teams.

A native of New York, Downey earned his undergraduate degree from Oswego State University and got his master’s in supervision and administration from Old Dominion University.

Downey, 31, left Louisa in 2006 to take a position as an assistant principal at South Lenoir High School, where he was promoted after one year. Last year, he served as the principal at Lenoir County Early College High School.

Downey, who has close friends and extended family in Louisa, knew the time was right to return.

“[My wife and I] took jobs in North Carolina knowing that we were going to be back in Virginia,” Downey said. “We just needed that boost to get where we wanted to go.”

Downey plans to continue and build on traditions that his predecessor started.

Straley rallied the community around Louisa athletics, working to build an electric atmosphere at home football games. Skydivers, a fire-breathing lion and fireworks were among the staples at LCHS football games.

“We’re planning the same exciting events and we are adding some new things,” Downey said. “We want to make it fun for people to come to games.”

Fans don’t have to wait long to get their Louisa County football fix. The team begins practice on July 28 — at 12:01 a.m.

Coach Mark Fischer also ran a “midnight madness” practice in 2006. That year, the Lions advanced to the state championship. Monday morning’s practice is open to the public.

“Fischer came to me and I said, ‘let’s roll with it,’” Downey said. “We’re trying to start the season off right and get a buzz going about Louisa.”

Increasing community involvement and support of athletics at Louisa is just one of the goals Downey has for the department. He also wants to focus on the academic aspect of the student-athlete and increase participation in sports — not just at the high school level, but in the community as well.

“In the three weeks I’ve been here, I’ve loved it so far,” Downey said. “I’m lucky to be coming back to a high school that embraces athletics — it’s a special thing we’ve got here and it’s my goal to continue that.”