As students and staff settle into the new school year, a fresh face has emerged in the athletic department. Drew Tower, the new Athletic Director, brings a wealth of experience and a vision to elevate the already impressive sports culture at the school. For many freshmen and even upperclassmen unfamiliar with his predecessor Greg Habegger, Tower’s arrival signifies a new chapter in the athletic program’s ongoing story.
Tower, a New Castle native with a deep love for basketball, found his passion for athletics early in life.
“Basketball was my background,” Tower said. “I grew up in New Castle, won a State Championship in high school, and then went on to compete at Taylor University.”
After college, Tower moved into coaching and eventually transitioned into athletic administration, serving as the Athletic Director at Brownsburg High School for the last six years. His journey prepared him well for his new role, where he plans to build on the school’s strong foundation.
“There’s certainly a culture here of excellence in everything, not just athletics, but in the school and the community,” Tower said. “It’s one of the best schools and Athletic Departments in the Midwest.”
His respect for Habegger is evident, and Tower is eager to continue building on the strong foundation left behind. He has also known long-time staff members like fellow Athletic Director Jim Self for over 18 years, a connection that made his transition smoother.
“I could not be more excited to work alongside Drew Tower,” Self said. “He is passionate about high school athletics… and he continues to bring new ideas that empower kids to be at their best. While I will miss working with Coach Habegger, I think we hit the Athletic Director lottery when we were able to hire Mr. Tower.”
Since taking the role, Tower has been focusing on learning the ropes and implementing new ideas. His immediate goal is to observe how things operate and evaluate where improvements can be made. One initiative he is particularly excited about is the “Restore the Roar” campaign, which aims to reignite school spirit and increase attendance at sporting events.
“We want to drive enthusiasm and attendance at everybody’s sporting events, not just football,” Tower said. “We want athletes supporting other athletes and more students getting involved. It’s more fun for everyone.”
Tower has also begun working on leadership development opportunities for student-athletes. He plans to expand the school’s already successful Student Athletic Council by organizing leadership sessions for middle and high school athletes.
“We want to create purposeful opportunities for our kids to come in and lead,” Tower said.
This initiative, along with the continuation of the Student Athletic Council leadership curriculum he developed at Brownsburg, reflects Tower’s commitment to fostering both athletic and personal growth.
As Tower engages with the school community, he is eager to connect with students, especially freshmen who may not yet know him. His message to them is simple: get involved.
“High school should be the most fun you have,” Tower said. “Don’t sit on the sidelines—get involved with something, whether it’s athletics or something else.”
His goal is to create an inclusive, spirited atmosphere where students feel connected to their school and peers.
And if there’s one thing Tower wants everyone at HSE to remember, it’s this: “Wear blue on Friday.”
