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Peoria Public Schools Hires New Athletic Director

Peoria Public Schools District 150

A former local basketball standout is the new Peoria Public Schools District 150 director of athletics. A.J. Guyton’s appointment was announced Wednesday. He’s responsible for primary and middle school sporting activities.

“It’s a dream of mine to come back to Peoria to continue with the work being done and add my expertise in the area of athletics,” said Guyton in a prepared statement. “We’re going to give our students of Peoria Public Schools an opportunity to succeed in a wide range of sports.” 

Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat says Guyton will enhance the district’s sports programming.

“Under his direction, for the first time in a very long time, our primary and middle school students will have a menu of athletic opportunities starting at a young age. Those opportunities will allow students to develop social skills, teamwork, cooperating with others, improving communication skills and hopefully succeed across the spectrum of IESA and IHSA sports as they grow older,” said Desmoulin-Kherat.

Guyton played basketball for Indiana University after a decorated high school career in Peoria. He’s a former diversity and retention coordinator for Illinois Central College. He’s also served in multiple basketball coaching positions. 

 

Kristin McHugh is an experienced radio journalist and nonprofit manager. Most recently, she served as executive director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council.