Saxony Lutheran High School has announced the addition of an offensive coordinator for the Saxony football team, a head varsity coach for the Saxony women’s volleyball team, and a new activities director.
“This is truly an exciting day when we can announce the addition of members to the Saxony family,” said Principal Mark Ruark. “Whether you serve as a member of the faculty, staff, or as a coach, we are blessed to have Christ-centered adults working with our Crusaders. Today, we are proud to highlight the newest members of Saxony’s family.”
Former Southeast Missouri State University offensive coach Jeremy McDowell has joined the Saxony Football Staff for the 2025-2026 season. Coach McDowell will coach alongside former teammate and Saxony head coach OJ Turner and will serve as Saxony’s offensive coordinator.
When asked what excites him the most about joining the Saxony Football Team, coach McDowell said, “Just excited to be around good people that are on a new adventure.” Saxony Lutheran football will enter its first season of varsity football this fall after competing at the junior varsity level last year.
“Getting the chance to spend more time with my family and partner with the current coaching staff to help guide young people is what drew me to this opportunity,” McDowell said.
According to McDowell, his biggest strength as a coach is his diverse experiences and his ability to help athletes and coaches with anything that may arise.
Principal Ruark said, “This is exciting for coach Turner and the Saxony football coaches to gain the experience and knowledge that Coach McDowell will add to our program.”
When asked about the addition of McDowell, coach OJ Turner said, “We are very excited to have coach McDowell and all his experience that he brings to the team. I think he will be able to help us strengthen our program in regard to processes and how we manage our offense long-term, and with his experience at the high school and collegiate level, he will be able to provide aspects at this level of play.”
The Saxony men’s football team will begin its inaugural varsity season this fall on Friday, Aug. 29, at Veritas Christian Academy. They will compete for the first time at home on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Saxony Crusader Stadium. The Crusaders will host Doniphan.
Saxony Lutheran High School also announced that Dawn Ozark will be the head women’s volleyball coach beginning in the fall. Coach Ozark currently serves as Saxony’s public relations coordinator and will continue in that role.
“Coach Ozark has been with Saxony for nine years and has served each of her responsibilities with great passion and love for Saxony,” said Principal Ruark. “I have no doubt that she will take that same approach in leading the women’s volleyball team at Saxony. We are thrilled to have someone with a longstanding commitment to Saxony stepping into this role.”
Coach Ozark has previously coached at the club level for two different clubs in our area and previously served Immanuel Lutheran School in Perryville for five years as a volleyball coach.
When asked about the upcoming season, Coach Ozark said, “This is an exciting time to be joining the Saxony women’s volleyball program. Saxony has a longstanding history of great women’s volleyball. My daughter was part of the historic back-to-back-to-back-to-back district championships, and it was a wonderful experience to be a part of. I am looking forward to working with these athletes over the summer as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
Ozark is ready to take on this challenge and has begun preparing for the 2025 season. “While I may be new to this position, I am ready to take on this challenge with a group of young women passionate about volleyball and who are proud to represent Saxony Lutheran High School,” she said.
Ozark will be joined by assistant coach Michelle Terrell. The Saxony Lutheran women’s volleyball team will kick off the season on Thursday, Sept. 4, as they head to Advance.
At the end of the 2025 school year, Coach Sam Sides will enter retirement, and Mike Vipperman will serve as activities director for Saxony Lutheran High School.
Coach Sides served as the men’s and women’s basketball coach at Saxony and garnered multiple final-four appearances with the women’s basketball team. He has served as Saxony’s activities director for the past 17 years. Vipperman will take over the helm from Sides this fall.
“Trying to find a replacement for someone as iconic as Sam Sides was no easy feat,” Ruark said. “Coach Sides has been a servant at Saxony, and we will miss him when he retires. But we are excited to welcome Mr. Vipperman to the Saxony family and know he will fill Sam’s shoes with ease.”
According to Vipperman, he is just as excited to be joining the Crusader family.
“My goal is to glorify God by developing, through various activities, young men and women to be Crusaders for Christ,” he said. “Sharing Christ and shaping lives to be lifelong disciples of Christ as athletes and students.”
Vipperman will join the Saxony family after a history of teaching and coaching at Malden High School. One of his strengths is his ability to communicate and work to achieve goals,
“I think communicating is beneficial for all coaches, sponsors, and the Crusader family,” he said.
Vipperman was drawn to Saxony by the “Christian environment and the opportunity to work with the students, faculty, and staff of Saxony Lutheran High School.”
Saxony Lutheran High School currently has 240 students and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Want to join the Saxony Family?
Saxony Lutheran has an agriculture science/FFA advisor (9-12), science teacher (9-12), and assistant cook positions open.
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is currently open. Spots for the freshman class of 2029 are filling up fast. If you are interested in touring the campus and joining the Saxony family, contact the school office at 573-204-7555 to schedule a time to visit Saxony Lutheran High School.
For additional information or comments, contact Dawn Ozark at 573-204-7555 or via email at dozark@saxonylutheranhigh.org.
