By Howard Packowitz, Eric Stock and Marc Strauss

BLOOMINGTON – The man hired to lead Central Catholic High School’s athletic department is a former head football coach who led another intercity team to a state championship.

Hud Venerable has been hired as Central Catholic’s athletic director, replacing Doug Atkins, who retired.

Listen to Marc Strauss’s interview with Hud Venerable:

” I didn’t realize Doug had retired and that they were looking for a replacement,” said Venerable. “Sean Foster, the principal at Central Catholic, invited me to interview for the position. The job was offered to me and I accepted it with great excitement. I’m very excited and anxious to get back involved in a full-time situation and this couldn’t be more perfect for me and my family.”

Venerable coached Normal Community High School’s football squad to the 2006 Class 6A state title. He led the Ironmen for 14 seasons before leaving to become the head coach at Lincoln-Way Central and later that school’s athletic director.

Venerable recently moved back to Bloomington-Normal and was expected to be a member of Illinois Wesleyan University’s coaching staff this fall. He traveled with the Titans on their recent trip to Japan and told WJBC Radio that discussions with Central Catholic accelerated upon the team’s return.

In addition to winning a state title at NCHS Venerable also led the Ironmen to a state runner up finish in 2005. He also coached at Jacksonville (six years), Monticello (five years) and Rich South (one year) and is a member of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]