Sanders is Albion’s new Athletic Director

Contributed Story Posted 27 August 2026 at 1:35 pm

Albion School District Press Release

Contributed Photo – Mike Sanders

Albion middle and high school English teacher and varsity wrestling Coach Mike Sanders has been appointed the district’s new Athletic Director by the Board of Education. He will assume his new position next Tuesday.

An Albion High graduate, Sanders has taught English in the district for 8 years and has served as varsity wrestling coach since 2022. He is also the founder and president of the Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy.

In his new position, Sanders will oversee all sports programs and provide leadership, coordination and innovation in the areas of interscholastic athletics and physical education.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of this new role,” said Sanders. “I am excited to build a strong athletics culture at Albion. A culture I grew up hearing stories about.”

“Education and athletics have truly defined my life, and that foundation was built right here in Albion,” added Sanders. “Growing up as a Purple Eagle taught me the value of community, grit, and pride. It’s that same deep-rooted love for the Albion community and athletics that makes me want to give back to our athletes and coaches, help elevate our athletic tradition, and guide them toward success. It won’t be easy. It may take some time. But as Joshua Medcalf says in Chop Wood, Carry Water, ‘Dream BIG. Start small. Be ridiculously faithful.'”

Sanders is a licensed New York State teacher and administrator. He attended Gannon University in Erie, PA, where he received his bachelor’s degree in English with minors in Pre-Law and Philosophy. While there, he competed on the wrestling team and was an NCAA Division II All-American. After graduating, he and his wife moved to Florida where he began his teaching and coaching career. He spent five years in Florida before moving to Woodstock, Virginia. While in Virginia, he attended Shenandoah University, where he earned his Master’s in Educational Leadership. In 2018, he moved back to Albion with his family to raise his kids in the same community that raised him.