The Albion CSD Board of Education has approved the appointment of Mike Sanders as the District’s new Athletic Director. He will assume his role on Sept. 1, 2026.
Sanders has taught middle and high school English for 16 years, the past 8 at Albion schools. He is a proud Albion alumni and dedicated member of the Albion community. He has coached baseball, football and wrestling in various capacities at Albion since 2018, and most recently took on the role of varsity wrestling coach in 2022. In 2026, he earned Niagara-Orleans Wrestling Coach of the Year, where his team was recognized for Best Sportsmanship and ranked as a top 10 team in Section 6 Division 2. He is also the founder and president of the Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy.
In his new position, he will oversee all sports programs and provide leadership, coordination and innovation in the areas of interscholastic athletics and physical education.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of this new role,” said Sanders. "I am excited to build a strong athletics culture at Albion. A culture I grew up hearing stories about.”
He brings a passion, familiarity and deep commitment to Albion student-athletes and their growth on and off the field. With a pride-centered mindset, he hopes to take this opportunity to harness strong tradition.
“Education and athletics have truly defined my life, and that foundation was built right here in Albion,” said Sanders. “Growing up as a Purple Eagle taught me the value of community, grit, and pride. It’s that same deep-rooted love for the Albion community and athletics that makes me want to give back to our athletes and coaches, help elevate our athletic tradition, and guide them toward success. It won't be easy. It may take some time. But as Joshua Medcalf says in Chop Wood, Carry Water, 'Dream BIG. Start small. Be ridiculously faithful.'"
Sanders is a licensed New York State teacher and administrator. He attended Gannon University in Erie, PA, where he received his bachelor's degree in English with minors in Pre-Law and Philosophy. While there, he competed on the wrestling team and was an NCAA Division II All-American. After graduating, he and his wife moved to Florida where he began his teaching and coaching career. He spent five years in Florida before moving to Woodstock, Virginia. While in Virginia, he attended Shenandoah University, where he earned his Master's in Educational Leadership. In 2018, he moved back to Albion with his family to raise his kids in the same community that raised him.
The District congratulates Sanders and looks forward to supporting him in this new capacity.