Josh Malave ’08 Named Lutheran West’s Next Athletic Director

January 14, 2025

Following a comprehensive search for its next Athletic Director, Lutheran West is pleased to share that Mr. Josh Malave, Class of 2008, has accepted the position. He will assume the role on July 1, 2025. 

Malave is a 2008 graduate of Lutheran West, a 2012 graduate of the University of Mount Union (Bachelor of Arts; major in History and minor in Adolescent to Young Adult Education), and a 2016 graduate of the University of Findlay (Master’s in Education with a focus on Education Administration). 

He currently serves the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association as the Director of the Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio (LSGOO) and the Head Coach and Program Director of the Wrestling program at Lutheran West.

Before joining the CLHSA and Lutheran West, Malave served as Head Wrestling Coach and faculty member at Case Western Reserve University (2021–2023) and the University of Mount Union (2016–2021). During his tenure at both institutions, he successfully guided individual athletes and teams to achieve local, regional, and national recognition. His responsibilities included establishing program vision and direction, managing team logistics, coordinating schedules and practices, overseeing fundraising efforts, staffing, ensuring NCAA compliance, fostering community engagement, acquiring equipment and uniforms, and spearheading facility improvements.

Malave’s collegiate coaching career was preceded by a three-year tenure at Firelands High School, where he was Head Wrestling Coach and a faculty member in the Social Studies department.

As a student-athlete at Lutheran West, Malave was All-Ohio (2008), Male Athlete of the Year (2008), Great Cleveland Wrestling Coaches & Officials Association All-Star team member, Team Captain (2006, 2007, 2008), and Team MVP (2008). He is an inducted member of the Lutheran West Athletic Hall of Fame. 

He went on to wrestle collegiately at the University of Mount Union, where he earned accolades including: NWCA DIII Scholar All-American (2010-2011, 2011-2012), Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) (2011-2012), NCAA DIII All-American (2012), NCAA DIII National Qualifiers (2011, 2012), Sixth on the Mount Union All-Time Wins List (97), Mount Union Most Valuable Wrestler (2012), Mount Union Coaches Award (2010), Mount Union Varsity Letter Winner (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), Team Captain (2010, 2011, 2012), Ohio Athletic Conference Champion (2011, 2012), and OAC All-Conference Selection (2009, 2011, 2012).

Joel Bahr, Principal, expresses his excitement about Josh stepping into the role, which became available after current Athletic Director Ryan Miller announced in the fall of 2024 that he would be pursuing a new career opportunity. Bahr comments that Malave will be building upon the decades of tradition and excellence in Longhorn Athletics established under the leadership of Joel Gesch (AD from 1990 – 2016) and Ryan Miller (AD from 2016-2024).

“Josh brings a deep, personal connection to our school and community, along with extensive experience in athletic administration and a history of success as a coach,” says Bahr. “His unwavering determination to build on the strong foundation of Longhorn Athletics, combined with his exceptional qualifications, makes him the perfect fit for this role. We are truly fortunate to have him on our team.”

Malave will continue his roles as Director of the LSGOO and Head Wrestling Coach while working with current AD Ryan Miller for the duration of this school year to lay the groundwork for a seamless transition in July. He will continue to lead the Lutheran West wrestling program as Program Director while simultaneously serving as Athletic Director.

Malave says, “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to take on this new role and thrilled to serve Lutheran West. Our Longhorn athletic programs are experiencing tremendous success and momentum, and I am eager to contribute to that growth. It is an honor to build upon the great tradition and legacy left by former athletic directors Joel Gesch and Ryan Miller. I am deeply thankful for the work Ryan Miller has done to leave Lutheran West in such a strong position and for inviting my family back to this community. I am equally grateful for the support of Chris Steinmann, Joel Bahr, and the rest of our administrative team and their belief in me. Lutheran West has always been close to my heart, and I recognize the significant influence being a student-athlete has on young individuals, along with the essential role sports play in strengthening our vibrant community. Go Longhorns!”