By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

There's a whole lot of shuffling going on at the top of the Kennedy Catholic High School athletic department.

Sam Reed is leaving his position as Athletic Director to accept the same position at Seattle Prep and 31 year coach Don Hoffman is stepping up to take his place.

Now the Lancers are looking for a new boys basketball coach to replace Hoffman.

"I'm very happy that Don will now have the opportunity to lead the Lancer athletic department as the next Athletic Director," Reed said. "He's as knowledgeable as anyone and as passionate about Kennedy Catholic as can be. I have grown to have a very strong personal and professional relationship with him, and I look forward to working with him through the transition this spring and summer."

The 55-year-old Hoffman has led the Lancer boys the past 12 seasons after leading the girls 13 seasons previously.

Hoffman has a combined 468-188 record to show for his time with the two programs with over 200 wins for each team.

"First off, Don is one of the most skilled in-game coaches I've ever seen up close," Reed said.  "He never failed to get every ounce out of his teams, often defeating teams with more talent. This career, spanning years leading both the girls and boys basketball programs, speaks for itself as a Hall of Fame career."

Hoffman started coaching at the Burien school in 1989 as an assistant football coach and assisted that program for 27 years including as offensive coordinator.

For basketball he led the freshman boys from 1991-94 and took over as the girls varsity coach the 1994-95 season.

He stayed with the girls until 2006-07, took the 2007-08 season of basketball off, and started with the boys for 2008-09.

He will remain as Kennedy Catholic's Technology Coordinator even as he takes over as Athletic Director.

Reed returns to his Metro League roots with his new job at Seattle Prep after having previously served as the AD at Chief Sealth.

He starts his new job July 1.

"Seattle Prep is a school and a community that I have long admired," Reed said.  "And to have the opportunity to lead their Athletic department was just too good to pass up."

Reed leaves behind fond memories of his time at Kennedy Catholic.

"The Kennedy family is real -- my own family and I were embraced wholeheartedly during my four years there and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many outstanding coaches, student-athletes and families during that time," Reed said.

Reed was there for the move up to the Class 4A North Puget Sound League and for the arrival of the new boys and girls water polo and girls bowling programs. The Lancers also increased academic standards and results.

"I am excited to see the fruits of that labor thrive from afar," Reed said.