Elgin names Pennington new AD

Elgin is turning to one of its own to lead the athletic department into the future.

Paul Pennington, a 1990 Elgin graduate, has been offered the position of athletic director at his alma mater, Elgin Area School District U-46 spokesman Tony Sanders confirmed Friday.

“He has signed and we're looking forward to having him at Elgin High School,” Sanders said.

The hiring is subject to the final approval of the U-46 Board of Education, which will meet on May 16.

He will replace Gwen Poore, who is leaving after two years to join her husband, Pat, in Minnesota where is on the staff of former NIU and new University of Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill.

Pennington is currently the Physical Education, Health and Driver's Education department chair at Downers Grove North High School.

He previously taught at Bartlett High School, where he coached girls track and field.

Pennington played three years of varsity football for the Maroons and served as team captain in 1989. He was not immediately available for comment Friday night.