Three Holly Area Schools athletic officials honored for excellence in leading Broncho programs
Awards for Lombard, Brinker and Keenist reflect district’s continued commitment to athletics as part of a well-rounded education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377
Three Holly Area Schools athletic officials honored for excellence in leading Broncho sports programs
Awards for Lombard, Brinker and Keenist reflect district’s continued commitment to athletics as part of a well-rounded education
HOLLY, Mich. — Three Holly Area Schools athletic officials were recently recognized for excellence in leading Broncho sports programs and helping student-athletes succeed. The awards demonstrate the district’s continued commitment to athletics as a part of a well-rounded education.
Athletic Director Casey Lombard was named Greater Flint Area Athletic Director of the Year, Rich Brinker was named Flint Metro League Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year, and varsity football Coach Billy Keenist was named Flint Metro League Stripes Division Co-Coach of the Year.
Lombard was nominated for the inaugural Greater Flint Area Athletic Director of the Year award by his peers after years of leading the district’s athletic department and distinguishing Broncho sports programs across Michigan and beyond. The award was created at the urging of the Kiwanis Club of Flint to honor local leaders in school athletic administration.
“I am very humbled by this award given there were many very worthy athletic directors in the Greater Flint area on the ballot for this amazing honor,” Lombard said. “It is especially meaningful to be selected for this award by my peers who share my commitment to preparing student-athletes for the real world and success.”
Brinker was awarded Flint Metro League Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year following back-to-back Flint Metro League cross-country championships. Under his leadership, three Holly cross-country team members qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals this season, with one team member earning all-state recognition.
“I am truly honored to receive this award and lead these outstanding student-athletes who continue to go above and beyond to excel before, during and after school,” Brinker said. “This award also recognizes the hard work and dedication of our cross-country athletes who give it their all throughout the season.”
Keenist was awarded Flint Metro League Stripes Division Co-Coach of the Year following a remarkable 6-4 varsity football season that was initially projected to go 1-8. Under Keenist’s leadership, the football team has made it to the state playoffs in three of the last four seasons, and 11 of his players have earned all-league recognition.
“I want to first thank my players and coaches for all their hard work this season,” Keenist said. “Awards like this are won because of great players and assistant coaches. Thank you to the coaches of the Flint Metro League, and a special thank you goes to Mr. Lombard for his continued support of our football program.”
“I want to congratulate Casey, Rich and Billy for their commitment to excellence and to making athletics a key part of a well-rounded education that prepares our Bronchos for success,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “They truly represent points of pride at Holly Area Schools and support Broncho Pride throughout our Holly community.”
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Casey Lombard, Greater Flint Area Athletic Director of the Year
Rich Brinker, Flint Metro League Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year
Billy Keenist, Flint Metro League Stripes Division Co-Coach of the Year.