Rick Shepas resigns as Warren Harding Athletic Director, will become head football coach of East Palestine

Rich Shepas (Courtesy: WKBN)

WARREN, Ohio - Former Massillon Tiger head football coach and current Warren Harding High School Athletic Director has resigned his position, effective June 30, 2026.

According to WKBN (Youngstown), he is leaving to take over as the head football coach at East Palestine High School. Additionally, assisting with the expansion of the district's workforce development program. 

He has held the position of Athletic Director since July 2024, and under his watch, the district has implemented a new strength and conditioning program for all student athletes.

Shepas was also responsible for introducing a new indoor track program, which has since expanded to a multi-county program. 

Also under his watch, he introduced a new girls' flag football team, a youth wrestling program, and a boys' pilot volleyball program.

Former head football coach Mike Demster resigned from East Palenstine in December 2025 after four seasons.

Shepas possesses prior head coaching experience, having served as the head coach at Massillon Washington High School from 1998 to 2004. 

Additionally, he held positions at Poland Seminary (Defensive Coordinator, Head Coach) and Alliance (Defensive Backs, Wide Receivers) in Ohio, and coaching connections in Pennsylvania. 

As stated in the press release, a search for a new athletic director will begin immediately.