The sudden death of Andrew Saris, 38, who served as both head football coach and assistant principal at Lexington High School, has left the district and the broader Ohio community reeling. Saris passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 30, leaving a void in a program that had just celebrated a 9‑2 season and the Ohio Cardinal Conference title.
A Mentor on and off the Field
Jeff Eichorn, Lexington’s athletic director, described Saris as a steady presence and a mentor who believed in every student, whether they were on the gridiron or in the classroom. "He was someone who saw potential in each of his players and pushed them to become better people," Eichorn said.
Saris guided the Minutemen to a 9‑2 record and secured the Ohio Cardinal Conference title in 2025, earning him the Division III Northwest District Co‑Coach of the Year honor. His leadership translated into on‑field success and a culture of accountability and respect.
A 2005 graduate of Smithville High School, Saris had been a standout defensive back, earning All‑Ohio recognition and helping his alma mater reach a state championship game in 2002. He carried those experiences into his coaching career, where he continued to emphasize discipline and teamwork.
Legacy of Leadership
Beyond wins and trophies, Saris’s legacy lies in the relationships he forged, the confidence he instilled in young athletes, and the example he set of balancing athletic ambition with academic responsibility. The school has arranged grief counseling for students, staff and families, urging the community to support one another and keep Saris’s family in their thoughts.