WESTFIELD — Westfield Academy and Central School’s new athletic director, Christopher Kelley, is truly homegrown.

Kelley, a native of Westfield, was approved as the new athletic director by the board of education at their regular meeting on Sept.14.

“Mr. Kelley is a WACS alum and knows the community,” said WACS secondary principal Corey Markham. “He brings a thoughtfulness that is key to the decision-making process.”

Kelley graduated from WACS in 2014. He is married to Brittany Nicole Kelley and is a first-year mathematics teacher at Westfield.

Kelley participated in sports during his time as a student.

“I have a great passion for athletics in schools,” Kelley said. “They provide students with great opportunities to experience what it’s like to be part of a team, as well as experience some competition.”

Kelley said he knows that this year will be one of great challenges.

“I understand how important sports can be to a young athlete,” he said. “This year will be unlike anything the school has dealt with. We must be ready to adapt. Who knows what may come our way next.”

Not only will Kelley face the challenges of meeting Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s guidelines for youth athletics, he will also be required to complete his training for the position of athletic director.

“With support and guidance, Mr. Kelley will have the resources to make sound decisions that support our student-athletes and our coaches,” Markham said.

On Aug.24, Cuomo announced that lower-risk school sports, such as tennis, soccer, cross country, field hockey and swimming, could begin to practice and play on Sept. 21.

The governor also said that higher-risk sports, such as football, wrestling, rugby and hockey could begin to practice, but could not begin to play until a later date.

“We are currently planning for the football season to begin March 1,” Kelley said.

Homecoming is another important event that must be delayed, however, Kelley has plans in place.

“We are not having a fall homecoming. One of the memorable events during homecoming is the dance,” he said. “We are hopeful that, come spring, the social-distancing requirements will be modified for us to have a homecoming dance corresponding with the football and volleyball games.”

Westfield Academy and Central School Superintendent Michael Cipolla said he was pleased to have a start date for student athletics.

“We have submitted our letter of intent to participate,” he said. “We’re excited that there is an opportunity for our kids to participate in athletics.”

Cipolla said that Timm Slade, executive director of Section VI athletics, will meet with Kelley to provide him with updates and information necessary for the athletic director’s position. Also, Kelley will work directly with Markham “as he becomes acclimated to the position” Cipolla added.

Kelley said whatever challenges the district may face, it is important to keep the students at the forefront.

“We will be ready to do whatever it takes to make this athletic year the best we can for students,” he said.