Lebanon Leprechauns:
Since our kickoff press conference, the most asked question in Lebanon has been about how we came up with the name “Leprechauns?” While ultimately many nicknames were under consideration, “Leprechauns” made a lot of sense for one simple reason: the first thing most people think about when they see the leprechaun and associated iconography is the connection with luck. As a team, we are incredibly lucky. Lucky to be located in Indiana, where the game matters so much to so many. Lucky to be in Lebanon, where the history of the game has many roots from its earliest days, and a great history of incredible teams and players. Lucky to have fans and a community of partners and supporters who will make Lebanon the envy of the league. There are many places this team could be, but there is no place the Leprechauns would rather be than Lebanon, Indiana. The next chapter of great basketball in this community begins with the 2022 TBL season.
Mission:
Our goal is simple: build a great sports organization that provides a world class experience to our players, fans, and community.
Preston Myers – Team President
Preston Myers is the Team President of the Lebanon Leprechauns. As a Lebanon native, the opportunity to bring professional basketball was a dream come true, and a culmination of a career preparing him to build and manage a successful franchise. On the court, Preston has been a successful basketball coach at the high school and small college levels. Off the court, he has spent time as a small business owner in Lebanon, as well as serving a term on the Lebanon City Council.
As the Team President, Preston’s role with the team is a balance of both CEO duties and that of the General Manager. Paramount to his concern is to put together a top of the line TBL experience for the players, coaches, business partners and community of fans. Preston has been married to his wife, Amy since 2005.
Email: plmyers@lebanonleprechauns.com
Rick Whitlatch – Vice President of Business Development
Rick is a lifelong resident of Lebanon, and has been a staple within the Indiana basketball community for a long time. He played basketball with the Lebanon Tigers of the 1970s, then continued his career as both a coach and official at multiple levels for the next 30 years. Rick is a Purdue graduate, holding a B.S. in Industrial Management. He recently retired and transitioned to working for the Leprechauns as the VP of Business Development.
His role with the team is primarily centered around securing partnerships with local businesses and generating ticket sales for the team. Rick talks often of how basketball put Lebanon on the map, and he is excited to help the Leprechauns add to that tradition. Rick and his wife Cathy have been married over 40 years. They have two children, and three grandchildren.
Email: rwhitlatch@lebanonleprechauns.com
Britney Nickle – Vice President of Operations
Britney Nickle is the Social Media Director of the Lebanon Leprechauns. A native of nearby Montgomery County, Britney earned her associates degree in photography. She is really excited about being a creative force for the Leprechauns and is looking forward to growing the fanbase through the social media channels.
Britney and her husband Jeff live in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Email: lebleprechaunmedia@gmail.com
Dave Eckard – Vice President of Community Relations
Dave Eckard is incredibly enthusiastic to be working with Leprechauns in the area of community engagement. After graduating from Wabash College in 1985, Dave started his professional life in the exciting world of insurance and mortgage banking before settling into information technology where he has remained for more than 25 years.
As with many lifelong Hoosiers, Dave has an inherent love of basketball – especially the Indiana Pacers. He is happy and proud to be joining the Leprechauns and looks forward to working with the team to establish a relationship and legacy within Lebanon.
Email: dceckard@lebanonleprechauns.com
Sam Merrill- Vice President of Marketing
Kris Spate – Vice President of Player Resources
John Benson – Head Coach
Kurtis Crabtree – Sports Information Director
Kurtis grew up in Lebanon and is a proud alumni of the Lebanon Tigers basketball team. He graduated from Maryville University with a B.S. of Sports Business Management and Marketing. He works full time as a Regional Property Manager. He loves basketball, and is so excited to take on a role with professional sports in his hometown. Kurtis and his girlfriend live locally in Lebanon with their two children.
Email: leprechaunsportsinfo@gmail.com
Dave Peach – Broadcasting and Media
Emily Roach – Dance Team Director
Aaron Pitcher – Lucky the Leprechaun