– From Oxford Prep Executive Director, Andrew Swanner, EdS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/29/26

Oxford Preparatory School Announces New Athletic Director

Oxford Preparatory School is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Juntunen as its new Athletic Director. Juntunen, a highly respected internal leader and Physical Education/Health teacher at Oxford Prep since 2016, was approved by the Oxford Preparatory School Board of Directors following a competitive interview process.

In addition to his professional role, Juntunen has been deeply invested in the OPS community as a long‐time parent. Two of his children are Oxford Prep alumni and were standout student‐athletes during their time as Griffins, his third child is currently a senior student‐athlete, and his youngest is a ninth‐grade student at OPS. His dual perspective as educator, coach, and parent gives him a unique understanding of the school’s mission and the needs of OPS families, and it reflects his longstanding commitment to the growth and success of Oxford Prep.

Juntunen brings to the role a deep understanding of Oxford Prep’s mission and community, along with extensive experience in coaching, student-athlete development, and program leadership. A former collegiate athlete at Morehead State University, United States Marine Corps Sergeant, and Firefighter-Paramedic, he is known for his commitment to discipline, resilience, and mentoring students to perform at their highest level on and off the court. At Oxford Prep, he has developed and implemented engaging physical education curriculum aligned to state standards, organized practices and game schedules, and emphasized sportsmanship and leadership in all athletic programming.

Within the OPS community, Juntunen has been recognized as Oxford Prep Upper School Teacher of the Year (2024) and TNAC Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year (2022), underscoring his impact in the classroom and on the sidelines. His background in safety and risk management, combined with his inclusive, team-focused leadership style, uniquely positions him to guide Oxford Prep’s athletic department into its next phase of growth.

Juntunen steps into the Athletic Director role at an exciting time for Oxford Prep athletics. The school is actively investing in its facilities with the construction of Innovation Hall on the Landis Road campus, which will feature a larger gymnasium and weight room and is scheduled for completion in July 2027. In addition, OPS has acquired adjacent land with plans to develop an on-campus baseball field, expanding opportunities for student-athletes and the broader school community.

“We are thrilled to have Jon step into this leadership role,” said Executive Director, Andrew Swanner. “His proven dedication to our students, his experience building strong teams, and his alignment with Oxford Prep’s values make him the ideal person to lead our athletic program as we expand facilities and deepen opportunities for all Griffin student-athletes.”

Oxford Preparatory School looks forward to the continued growth of its athletic offerings under Juntunen’s leadership and to the enhanced experiences that Innovation Hall and the new baseball facilities will bring to OPS students and families.

Oxford Preparatory School
Andrew Swanner (919)690-0360 swannerab@oxfordprep.org

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