Billetz hired for IHSAA post

John Billetz was doing his fatherly duties – buying groceries for his son, a freshman at Boise State University – when his cell phone rang with the good news Tuesday evening.

The Idaho High School Activities Association made it official Wednesday when it announced that the 11-year Post Falls High School principal will become the executive director this summer.

Billetz, 54, replaces Bill Young, who is retiring after serving as the IHSAA director the past 18 years. Billetz will take over July 1.

“I’m excited and proud. I can’t wait to get down there and get started,” Billetz said by cell phone Wednesday afternoon after flying back from Boise. “It will be hard to (succeed) Bill. It’s like following a legend. But I think our philosophies are a lot alike. I felt really prepared during the interview.”

Billetz was one of three finalists interviewed Tuesday. The others were Gerry Nutt, 52, an athletic director at Middleton High School near Boise, and Bob Ranells, 57, who is in his second year as superintendent of the Grand Coulee (Wash.) School District.

“Bill Young is to be commended for effectively leading the (IHSAA) for the past 18 years,” IHSAA president Rich Bauscher said in a statement. “John will find that the IHSAA is a dynamic, well-run organization, and the Board is confident that he has the necessary skills to keep this momentum going.”

Young, who turns 65 next month, wasn’t part of the selection process. But he has worked with Billetz in his capacity as an IHSAA board member in recent years.

“John will do a wonderful job, no question,” Young said. “He has excellent leadership qualities. The association is in good hands. It’ll continue to grow and prosper.”

Billetz’s starting salary will be $86,000. He makes $79,000 at PF. He said his wife, Julie, the principal at PF’s Kindercenter, will continue in her job and live in Post Falls. Billetz said he ultimately plans to retire in Post Falls.

Post Falls Superintendent Jerry Keane said Billetz will do well in his new job.

“It’s obviously bittersweet for us,” Keane said. “We’ve had a pretty darn good run together. He’s had a passion for activities since I’ve known him. This is the cherry on top of the cake as far as fulfilling that passion. While we lose a principal, we gain a gem for the IHSAA.”

Billetz is a native of Mapletown, Pa. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1974. He moved to Pocatello where he completed graduate work in education at Idaho State University. He began his career at Gooding High School in southern Idaho in 1976.

He was a head football coach and administrator in stops at Burley and Minico before moving to PF in 1995.