Mission Statement:
"The mission of the California Area School District Athletic Department is to provide a thriving
athletic program that complements the rich and rigorous educational experience our students
encounter. By encouraging our student-athletes to grow as individuals, leaders, and teammates,
we can hope to teach them to persevere, be responsible, and display strong sportsmanship."

Philosophy:
The interscholastic athletic programs at CASD will provide elite-level enrichment opportunities
for our students so they may become well-rounded individuals, leaders, and teammates.
Academics are paramount as we aim to build the best student-athlete through our athletic
programs. Success looks different for everyone, so we want to build a toolbox that
encompasses all facets of competition for our student-athletes. The all-encompassing toolbox
will strengthen our students to strive for excellence and encourage them to use their support
systems (teachers, coaches, community) to assist in that development. We want our
student-athletes to have a versatile skill set so that unique characteristics such as work ethic,
respect, accountability, discipline, and leadership can translate into their everyday life.

 

Athletic Director:

As the Athletic Director for California Area, Dew Spicher brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the holistic development of student athletes both in and out of the classroom, and on and off the field. With a background that includes roles at The University of South Alabama, as well as serving as a High Performance Coach at Performance Enhancement Professionals (PEP) in Scottsdale, AZ, Dew has worked with athletes across various levels, including Division I and professional leagues such as the NFL and MLB. 

Dew's philosophy centers around the belief that athletics can bring out the best experiences in individuals, which are not only applicable to their academic career but also to life beyond sports. 

Noteworthy athletes Dew has worked with include James Harrison, Cam Heyward, Noah Syndergaard, Tim Tebow, and many more. A native of Falls Creek, Pa., Dew attended Duquesne University, where he graduated with a degree in Athletic Training and obtained his Master’s in Sports Administration at Belmont University. During his time at Duquesne, Dew was a member of the football team, winning two NEC Titles and serving as a two-year starter, showcasing his own commitment to excellence both on and off the field.