Old Lyme — On the day Bill Buscetto earned an honor of distinction from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, he was named the new athletic director at Old Lyme High School.

Buscetto, who spent four years as the athletic director at St. Bernard, replaces Rob Roach, who is retiring after leading Old Lyme's athletic department for the last 38 years.

The CIAC awarded Buscetto the honor of Certified Master Athletic Administrator, making him the fourth person in the state to achieve such a certification.

The school system announced his hiring Thursday afternoon.

"It's a great opportunity and a great school system," said Buscetto, who is a resident of Old Lyme, where both his children have been educated. "The leadership is tremendous. I'm excited about their direction and the way they value athletics as such an important part of extracurriculars."

Buscetto, who left St. Bernard in 2011, led the athletic department to a pair of Michaels Cup awards, signifying overall athletic excellence. He was also the baseball coach and led the Saints to the Class S finals.

"I've missed the daily interaction with the kids and coaches. But it was a good break, too," he said. "It gave me a chance to watch my daughter (Jordan, a freshman softball player at Brandeis)."

Roach and Buscetto have talked frequently in recent weeks.

"I have so much respect for him," Buscetto said. "I think we have the same vision and attitude: give the kids and coaches everything they deserve."

Buscetto was a Management of Sports Industries major at the University of New Haven and was a distinguished baseball player there.

m.dimauro@theday.com