THE PRIDE

The mission of the Salem High School athletic department is set on developing a high level of competition without losing sight of educational values such as sportsmanship, academic achievement, leadership, and strong sense of respect for self and others.

The Salem School Board of Trustees held a special meeting on February 16 to hire the new head football coach. Coach Brian Glesing will now lead the Lions when the football team hits the field next season. After being approved, Coach Glesing took the stage where he addressed the packed presentation room filled with players, parents and fans. Attendees were able to see Coach's passion for football, teaching and being a leader. Coach Glesing discussed his philosophy as well as what the team will run offensively and defensively.

Coach Glesing is a 1989 graduate of Franklin Central High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. He was named to the North-South All-Star team in both football and baseball. After high school he continued his education and athletic career at Hanover College. He earned NAIA All-American honors in both football and baseball before graduating in 1993.

His first head coaching position was at LaVille High School where he revived a struggling program during his 4 years there. He earned IFCA Region 2 Coach of the Year honors in 2002, 2003 and 2004 while also leading LaVille to sectional titles in 2002 & 2003. He then took over as the head coach at Clarksville where he won an MSC title in 2006. In his 2 years at Clarksville his teams won 17 games to only 6 losses. He was named the Jeffersonville Tribune Coach of the Year during both seasons. Coach Glesing landed at Floyd Central where the Highlanders had a record of 6-23 in the three seasons prior to Glesing arriving. In his 11 years at FC the Highlanders had a 70-51 record and a sectional title. He was awarded Jeffersonville Tribune Coach of the Year 5 times during his 11 years. Following his stint at FC, Coach Glesing spent a year at Jeffersonville and Paoli before landing at Shelbyville. Shelbyville owned a 26 game losing streak prior to Coach Glesing's arrival and had been beat 1,696 points to 189. In his second game they snapped that streak.

Coach Glesing was married to his wife Barbara in 2018.

The Salem swim teams followed up last season's success with a great regular season and strong showings in their respective Sectional Meets.

The girls swim team finished with a record of 19-5 and had numerous PR's during the season. Isabel Tunney led the way as she broke school records in the 200 IM, 100 Fly and 100 Freestyle. The 400 Freestyle Relay team consisting of Madalyn Irwin, Flora Wade, Brooklyn Miller and Isabel Tunney set a new school record with a time of 4:12.85. Several members of the girls team advanced to the sectional finals.

The boys swim team finished with a record of 19-4 and also had numerous PR's throughout the season. The Lions had several advance to the sectional finals this season.

The Salem wrestling team had one of the program's most successful campaigns in it's history. The Lions finished with a record of 18-5 . They placed 3rd in conference, 2nd in the Salem Super 6 Invitational and won the County Wrestling Meet. They finished 4th overall in sectional action sending 7 wrestlers on to Regional. Brayden Walters and Evan Bowling were sectional runner ups. Evan Bowling advanced to Semi-State the following week. Freshman Brayden Walters also earned All-Conference honors. The future looks bright as the Lions return all but 1 wrestler from this year's team!

The Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce this year's selections into the Salem Athletics Hall of Fame. The Inductees are:

Robert Hoke (1935) - Track

Bill House (1971) - Football, Basketball, Golf, Track

Mary Hunt (Coach) - Track, Cross Country

Jim Lewis (1975) - Cross Country, Basketball, Golf, Track

This year's Induction Dinner/Ceremony will take place on April 29th in the SHS Presentation Room. Tickets will be available for purchase to attend this event. More information will be coming in the next few weeks.

Paul Scifres (1954-1958)

Salem Athletics Merit Winner

Paul Scifres has served the athletic program in various capacities over the past 60 years. Paul was a faculty member from 1962 until he retired in 1998. The first 9 years he rode the booster bus to every away game and oversaw the cheer block. He also filmed football and basketball games. He spent 3 of the years overseeing the group that was doing statistics for the basketball games. Paul spent many years keeping stats and the scorebook for basketball. He is most widely known as an avid cross country and track and field fan. Paul has worked nearly every home cross country and track meet over the past 60 years serving as the head timer at the Salem Track Invitational.

Paul served as Athletic Director for SHS and SMS from 1971 to 1989. During this time, he was an integral figure in beginning and developing our girls’ sports programs.

Paul Scifres passed away 3 weeks following his induction to the Salem Athletic Hall of Fame. He leaves a huge void in the community and within the athletic program.

The Salem Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF) can include former athletes, coaches, and persons of merit who have made a huge impact on our athletic programs. To receive information concerning criteria and also to obtain a nomination form please contact the Athletic Office at 812-883-3904 or email hweedin@salemschools.us

The "Lions at the Next Level" wall is not affiliated with the HOF although a former athlete may be recognized for both. The Lions at the Next Level project is designed to recognize former Lion athletes who went on to compete for 4 years (completed eligibility) at the collegiate level AND obtained his/her college degree in the process. To receive more details on this process and what is required please contact the Athletic Office at the number/email listed in the paragraph above.

Email: hweedin@salemschools.us
Website: www.salemschools.com
Location: 700 North Harrison Street, Salem, IN, USA
Phone: (812) 883-3904
Facebook: facebook.com/shslionsathletics
Twitter: @LionsAthDept