New Stanton Principal Big Cleveland Sports Fan

New Principal Anthony Horton has deep roots in Northeast Ohio.

The born-and-raised Elyria native became a Kent transplant in 1995 when he transferred to .

Horton bought his house near Longcoy Elementary School in 2000 and hasn't left Kent since — that is unless he's on his way to a Cleveland Browns or Indians game.

"I’m an avid sports fan," Horton said. "I’m a Cleveland guy, so anything Cleveland. Indians, Browns — still the Cavs."

Like many Cleveland fans, he admits feeling a bit foolish because the Browns are his favorite team.

"That’s what I get the most upset over, because I'm so passionate," he said. "We’ve been hoping for a good team for years."

You'll find the 39-year-old bachelor at an Indians game at least a few times a year, and he always tries to make one Browns game.

"It all depends on my friends when somebody has some good tickets," Horton said. "Last game I went to was last fall. They played Seattle, and I was right on the 50-yard line with some fantastic seats."

Horton's affinity for sports may be common knowledge — athletic banners for Kent State and Morgan State University hang in his office — but something most people don't know about Stanton's new principal is his love of motorcycle riding.

In 2010 Horton took a motorcycle safety course and the next summer bought his Harley 1200 Sportster from a friend.

"And I've been riding ever since," he said. "I always wanted to learn how to ride a bike. It’s a different feeling. I never rode a bike a day in my life, but I have a few friends who ride."

You might see him cruising around Kent, but occassionally you might catch him on the highway — like last year when he took a scenic ride with friends out to Quaker Steak and Lube just across the Pennsylvania state line.

Other hobbies of Horton's include reading and traveling. He enjoys visiting friends in Baltimore, Las Vegas and Chicago and plans one day to take a cruise. He's also a big fan of amusement parks — and roller coasters.

"I love Cedar Point," Horton said.

Admittedly, Stanton's new principal has been enveloped by school work in recent years and hobbies have lost some time. At school, parents and students will find Horton is all business.

But they'll also find him at a range of after-school activities from band to soccer, theater and golf.

Though as a former wrestler that's his favorite.

"I used to be a wrestler, so that’s my favorite activity," Horton said. "But I’m sure all the kids will see me at pretty much all their (activities)."

Wednesday was the first full day back to school for students.

"It’s been fantastic," Horton said. "It’s been a pretty smooth transition coming to Stanton."

Horton spent 12 years with . Before then, he spent a year with Elyria schools. This is his 14th year as an educator.

"It’s a very family oriented district," he said. "All the administrators have been very wonderful. I’m excited to work for a school district where I live."