The face of athletics at Westminster Academy will change this summer as the Christ-centered college preparatory school announced the addition of Tony DeMare as its new athletic director and Tommy Lewis as the new head football coach.

DeMare recently completed a 17-year run as athletic director and head baseball coach at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan. He is a three-time State of Michigan Coach of the Year, a member of the Michigan Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, worked with the U18 Team USA Baseball, and League Athletic Director of the Year.

Lewis comes to Westminster Academy after serving as head football coach for four years at Victory Christian Academy in Lakeland, Florida, with state-level play each year including a state championship. Lewis has led his players to the State Semi-Finals 14 out of 17 years of coaching, with five State Championships and three State Runner Ups.

 

Athletic Director

Westminster Academy Headmaster Joel Satterly, said, “From our very first search committee meeting,Tony is exactly who we had in mind. We were looking for a leader with experience, demonstrated success, and a deep understanding of how athletics work in a faith-based school.”

“I have found him to have a very healthy philosophy of sports and possess very good communication skills. He has a sound educational perspective and a great personal demeanor, and I have yet to see him outworked,” said Thomas M. Rashid, Associate Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

“I am thrilled to know that God has led my wife, Cynthia, and me to Westminster Academy. I am humbled and honored to be a Lion and look forward to becoming part of the WA community and taking part in its God-driven mission,” shared Tony DeMare.

DeMare holds two degrees from Wayne State University, a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Master of Arts in Athletic Administration. Additionally, he also has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Madonna University.

DeMare is a welcomed addition to Westminster Academy’s distinguished athletic program, which has captured state titles in cross country, swimming and basketball this school year.
Head Football Coach

“Westminster Academy was blessed with a number of highly qualified applicants for our head football position. In Coach Lewis, we found a proven winner and program builder, a man familiar with Christian schools, and great fit with the needs of our school. We are thrilled to welcome Tommy and his family to our community and are excited about the future of Lions football,” said Satterly.

Lewis has been selected as a National Coach of the Year, as well as multiple State Coach of Year awards in Florida and South Carolina. Lewis has coached 41 student-athletes that have gone on to play collegiate football.

“I want to congratulate Westminster Academy on the hire of Coach Tommy Lewis as Head Football Coach at Westminster Academy. South Florida is a hot-bed of high school football talent, and he is the perfect fit for Westminster Academy and the greater Fort Lauderdale community. Tommy has a history of building championship programs, great leadership skills, and a commitment to the high school athlete that is second to none. He has a passion for mentoring young men and helping them achieve their academic and athletic goals. I am proud to call him a friend for almost 25 years, and I know he will do a tremendous job leading the program at Westminster Academy,” said Mike Tomlin, Head Football Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL.

“As long as I have known Tommy Lewis, he has been a man of extremely high integrity, strong moral character, and Christian values. As parents, we all desire to find those special individuals, leaders, and coaches like Coach Lewis that will help guide, protect and mentor our children. The future of Westminster Academy’s program is bright!” said Sean McDermott, Head Football Coach, Buffalo Bills, NFL.

“Coach Tommy Lewis brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge, and success on both the college and high school levels. Not only does he build a dynamic winning football program, but he also strives to develop his players into becoming men while impacting the community in a positive way. His integrity and commitment to the Lord are infectious and rub off on all who come into contact with him. I can’t wait to see the impact that he will have at Westminster Academy,” said Alan Williams, Defensive Backs Coach, Detroit Lions, NFL.

“My family and I are excited to join the WA family. I look forward to a strong start this spring and build on that momentum through summer workouts and the fall season,” shared Lewis.

Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from William and Mary where he was a three-year starter at H-back, started his coaching career. Lewis and his wife, Megan, have five children, Caleb, Mary, Micah, Sarah, and Tobias.

Westminster Academy football will compete within the FHSAA 3A Classification in the 2017 season. The school is composed of students in PK2 through 12th grade with an annual enrollment of approximately 900 students.