Four coaches from St. Mary’s Ryken High School — Coach Jon Lombardo, Coach Chris Palombi, Coach Gary Wynn, and Coach OJ Lewis — received Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Coaches of the Year awards for the 2024-2025 school year, showcasing the strength and depth of the school’s athletic programs.
Coaching Success Across Multiple Sports
Jon Lombardo, boys varsity lacrosse head coach and athletic director, led the Knights to the WCAC championship for the first time since 2009. Although St. Mary’s Ryken fell to DeMatha, Lombardo highlighted the tight-knit team unity formed during the playoffs, including an overtime quarterfinal win over St. John’s.
Chris Palombi, boys varsity ice hockey head coach since 2009, earned his second consecutive WCAC Coach of the Year title. His team secured its first WCAC victory in several years against Bishop Ireton and showed marked improvement in goal differential, reflecting ongoing program development.
Gary Wynn, named boys varsity football head coach in 2022 after serving as associate head coach and offensive coordinator, earned his second WCAC Coach of the Year honor. The football Knights completed the season with a 9-3 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in conference play, demonstrating significant progress from the previous year.
OJ Lewis, varsity softball head coach since 2022, guided the girls softball team on a nine-game winning streak before reaching the WCAC championship, where they fell to Bishop O’Connell. He praised his players’ efforts and spotlighted utility player Mikaela Guy, who was named WCAC Player of the Year for her outstanding contributions.
Emphasis on Community and Leadership
Lombardo noted that many of the coaching staff also serve as full-time teachers, which helps foster a special community atmosphere that extends beyond athletics. He emphasized the importance of investing in and developing strong relationships with student-athletes beyond the time spent in practice and games.
2024-2025 Season Highlights
- Boys lacrosse advanced to the WCAC championship, losing to DeMatha.
- Boys ice hockey secured a WCAC victory against Bishop Ireton.
- Girls softball entered the WCAC playoffs on a nine-game win streak and reached the championship game, falling to Bishop O’Connell.
MSB Take
The recognition of four coaches from St. Mary’s Ryken High School as WCAC Coaches of the Year reflects the comprehensive advancement of the school’s athletic programs. This collection of honors highlights strong leadership, program growth, and an emphasis on community values among coaches who balance teaching with athletic responsibilities. Such an integrated approach benefits the Knights’ teams and enriches the experience of their student-athletes far beyond competition.
Source: Original report
