Xavier High School has hired Andrew Umthun from Estherville Lincoln Central High School as its next activities director, the school announced Friday morning.

The Xavier Board of Education officially approved Umthun’s hiring Thursday.

Umthun will officially begin his new duties July 1. He succeeds Steven Lueck, who resigned as Xavier's A.D. in December after serving less than six months on the job.

Umthun, a native of Des Moines and 2001 graduate of Dowling Catholic, currently serves as the activities director, assistant principal and head football coach at Estherville Lincoln Central, positions he has held since 2014.

Prior to his administrative role, Umthun served on the Estherville Lincoln Central faculty as its Director of Alternative High School Program from 2013-2014. Before his time in Estherville, Umthun served as a faculty member at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in Sioux City and was the school’s strength and conditioning director.

“We are excited to welcome Andy Umthun as Xavier’s activities director,” Xavier principal Tom Keating said in a news release. “Andy brings  experience as an outstanding teacher, coach and administrator, directing a successful 3A athletic, fine arts and co-curricular program.

"His Catholic school background as a student and educator will serve him well in his role at Xavier. We look forward to the energy and  vision he will bring to continue to provide our students with an  outstanding activities experience.”

Umthun holds a Masters of Science in Education from Wayne State College, where he also majored in PK-12 School Administration. As an undergraduate, Umthun earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree from the University of Northern Iowa where he majored in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education and a Coaching endorsement.

“I am honored and excited to be named the new activities director at Xavier High School,” Umthun said. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead one of the most successful athletic and fine arts programs in the state.

"The value co-curricular activities bring to the total educational experience is something I am passionate about. I welcome the opportunity to help develop and lead young people in the unique setting of a Catholic high school.

"I strongly believe in, and know first-hand, the value of a well-rounded education. I could not be more excited to be joining the Xavier Saints family.”

More than 94 percent of Xavier students participate in at least one co-curricular activity throughout the year. Since opening in 1998, Xavier has earned 30 state championships, produced 71 first team  all-State student-athletes and 30 individual state champions.

Mike Winker, who resigned as Xavier's activities director after the 2015-16 school year, has been assisting the Saints since Lueck resigned. He will continue to serve as an advisor regarding scheduling and event planning.

Xavier explored interest in Winker returning to his former job at the school, but he opted to continue his role as a lecturer in the University of Iowa’s Sport and Recreation Management program. Keating will continue to serve as the interim activities director until Umthun officially assumes his duties.