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Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Executive Director Robert Lombardi played collegiate soccer at East Stroudsburg University roughly 20 years before PIAA Chief Operating Officer Mark Byers did the same -- he even wore the same number.
Lombardi, who announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from the organization at the end of the year, is hoping Byers -- approved by the board as the new executive director beginning Jan. 1, 2026 -- follows him in his role with the PIAA the same way he did playing soccer for ESU.
"Mark was really good. I think he was a captain for three years," Lombardi said. "And I stunk."
Though college soccer might not have been the best role for Lombardi, he's helped the PIAA achieve many things since he joined it in 1988 and will be leaving a big void for Byers to fill.
"You don't replace somebody that has been here since 1988," Byers said. "Bob has been a mentor to me. He, along with Brad (Cashman), serving as executive directors have certainly shown me the ropes. I think what is important is not only having that continuum with staff -- Frank (Majikes) is only the fourth president I have worked for in my career here starting in 1999 -- so the continuum of the staff and leadership of the board is something I look forward to. As Bob mentioned, it's a staff that's second to none. I'm fortunate to inherit that moving forward."
Lombardi started his career at the PIAA as assistant executive director and, after five years, was promoted to associate executive director. In 2012, he was named the executive director of PIAA and has remained in that position ever since. As executive director, Lombardi handles bylaw interpretations, strategic planning, fiscal management, office operations, the PIAA Foundation and legislative affairs.
"We have the best staff in the country," Lombardi said. "Handing this over to Mark will be a labor of love. He's tremendous. There's not a better athletic administrator in the country, and there's nobody that could come in here and do this job like he can after learning the business for 25 years."
Lombardi said his age played a major role in his decision to retire.
"In five weeks, I will be 70 years old," Lombardi said. "There's the answer. At 70 years old, I can see this is a young man and a young woman's business. We have a tremendously capable staff. They don't need an old fart like me hanging around and getting in the way. It's really that simple."
As he leaves his post, some of Lombardi's biggest concerns about the state of high school sports is the level of sportsmanship and the misguided motivations of some parents.
"The lack of good sportsmanship and the lessons learned from athletics are very disappointing," Lombardi said. "The language of a foul nature and the behavior that we're seeing in contests on sidelines and in the stands is reprehensible."
Lombardi seemed to reference travel teams and AAU programs as well.
"I think many people have forgotten that athletics is supposed to be fun," Lombardi said. "Why did you get involved? Because you liked it. Ever see a kid that's a year and a half that just learned to run that runs into your yard with a big smile on their face? That's what we all started with years ago when we were playing.
"I don't know if that's there anymore. Kids start playing, and if they show an aptitude that they aren't that bad, every mom and dad think they are going to Pitt, Penn State or Alabama. The scholarships aren't there. They ought to take all the money they invest in taking the kid all over the country and put it in a bank account, and that would pay for the four years of college and wouldn't have to spend all that time running around."
Lombardi has been married to his wife, Julie, for 32 years and has two daughters.
"To comment on behalf of the board, we certainly appreciate Bob and what he's done for the PIAA, the student athletes and everyone across the state," PIAA Board President Frank Majikes said. "You have expanded the staff, and we wish you the best of luck and health in your retirement. We appreciate everything you have accomplished for PIAA including being the first and only president from NFHS (from the PIAA), something you did a tremendous job with. Your role with the expansion of staff and sports has been tremendous. You have done a great job and will be sorely missed."
In his current role, Byers deals with bylaw interpretation, coaches association, marketing/sponsorships, and sportsmanship. He's also the tournament director for soccer, team wrestling, wrestling and the baseball championships.
"You don't know what you don't know," Byers said. "That will be the fun part in all of this, and we'll all share in that together. At the same time, I'm extremely thankful to both Bob for his leadership and also his recommendation for me to move forward, but also extremely grateful for Frank, (vice president) Chris (Venna), (treasurer) Paul Leonard and the entire board for putting their faith in me."