COLUMBIA CITY – Monday night, the Whitley County Consolidated School’s board voted and named Khelli Leitch the new athletic director for Columbia City High School.

The vote, which went 8-1, brings in Leitch, who served as Clarksville High School athletic director for the past five years. Leitch is a West Noble High School graduate.

The vote Monday night brought a small crowd as groundswell had been building for Columbia City High School boys basketball head coach Chris Benedict to be named as new AD. Benedict, who had applied for the position, has coached 18 years for the Eagles, leading the team to six sectional, three regional and one semi-state title during his tenure. Benedict has also won 291 games, all at CCHS, along with a strong and loyal backing guiding one of the school’s most successful athletic outfits.

The one vote against Leitch came from Stan Meyer.

Leitch replaces longtime AD Geoff Penrod, who is retiring. Penrod has served numerous roles through Columbia City during his tenure, including Chairperson on the IHSAA Executive Committee.

Columbia City High School is in the process of building a new high school, due to open in August 2020.