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BRUNSWICK, Ohio — Brunswick City School District is proud to announce that Travis Lombardozzi, physical education teacher at Brunswick High School, has been selected as the 2025 High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Ohio Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Lombardozzi grew up in Cocoa Beach, Florida and came to Cleveland State University to study Exercise Science and compete as a Division I athlete, where he earned his undergraduate degree. “My passion for strength and conditioning began there, training under my coach Sean Wallace, whose mentorship sparked a lifelong fascination with sports performance training.” He later earned his master’s degree in Exercise Science from The University of Akron, which he said deepened his understanding of physiology, biomechanics, and applied training methods. “Originally, I intended to stay on the exercise-science track, but one day my professor, Mary Motley, pulled me aside after class,” Lombardozzi said. “She told me she saw how I connected with others during teaching activities and how powerful that could be in a classroom. She encouraged me to pursue my teaching licensure — a single conversation that completely changed my life.” He shifted his focus to education and was hired by Brunswick City Schools right after graduation and has been teaching and coaching in Brunswick for more than a decade, and it’s truly become home. The criteria for nominations for this prestigious award are evaluated on several key qualities, according to the announcement news release, “including their ability to serve as role models by exemplifying personal health, fitness and sportsmanship while being sensitive to student needs. They demonstrate innovative teaching through diverse methodologies and engaging learning experiences, while implementing a balanced, sequential physical education curriculum. Additionally, they show a commitment to professional growth by actively pursuing development opportunities. Finally, they have made meaningful contributions to the field through leadership, advocacy, or program development.” Lombardozzi explained that he focused on developing a strength-and-conditioning–based physical education program that connects exercise science with classroom teaching. “The goal has always been to move beyond the traditional “gym class” model and instead give students meaningful tools for lifelong health, confidence, and performance,” he said. What started as an elective course, eventually transitioned the weight-room curriculum to align with Ohio PE accreditation — opening the program to all students, not just athletes. “Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to learn from two amazing colleagues and mentors, Joe Mackey and Julie Salzman, who have each taught for nearly 30 years. Their professionalism and leadership shaped not only how I teach and collaborate within our department but also strengthened our sense of community. This recognition was largely based on how the program at Brunswick High School embodies the Essential Components of Physical Education, as reflected in the SHAPE America National Standards. “Our curriculum is comprehensive, diverse, and rooted in exercise science — designed to reach every student through a variety of teaching methods, instructional models and performance-based assessments. We emphasize culturally responsive instruction and inclusive practices that ensure all students can participate and succeed, regardless of ability or background,” he explained. “Assessment is individualized and growth-oriented, allowing students to measure personal progress and take ownership of their learning. Beyond the classroom, I’ve also focused on professional advocacy — collaborating with organizations like OAHPERD, SHAPE America, and the NHSSCA to promote best practices, share curriculum models, and elevate the value of physical education across the state. Lombardozzi said there’s also been a strong national movement — led by the NHSSCA, coaches, teachers, and administrators like Brunswick’s athletic director Jim Kovi — to create weight-room–centric curriculums in schools. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of that conversation in recent years, advocating for structured, education-based strength and conditioning as a vital part of student development. It’s exciting to see Brunswick’s program help spotlight the value of that approach, not only for athletes but for every student who walks through our doors. “When I learned I’d been selected as the High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year for both OAHPERD and SHAPE America, I was shocked and incredibly grateful. It’s a true career milestone — one often discussed back in my university days as the pinnacle of teaching excellence. To actually reach that point is humbling, and my mindset remains the same as it’s always been, let’s keep pushing and continue to evolve with our students.” Lombardozzi and his wife, Shannon, have three children. “Shannon’s support has been one of the primary reasons I’m able to do what I do. Some would call it being a “coach’s wife,” but that’s an understatement. She understands the hours, the demands, and the constant drive to grow — and she’s been my biggest supporter through all of it.” His mother,, Jo-Ann, still lives in Florida he said she has always been a huge influence. “She taught me that consistency, humility, and helping others can take you a long way. The biggest — and hardest — of all life lessons I’ve learned from my parents may also be the most important: delayed gratification. This award embodies that. Since 2013, our district has worked together to build this program step by step. Seeing it recognized now is both humbling and motivating — proof that when a school invests in purposeful physical education, it can change students’ lives for years to come.” As part of this recognition, Lombardozzi will have the opportunity to present at the 2026 OAHPERD Convention and will be considered for the District High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year award at the regional level.
