Out of a pool of 280 applicants, Northampton Borough Council appointed Jason Kremus to head the Northampton Recreation Center.

Kremus will replace Director Bob Weinhofer, who is retiring at the end of July.

Council President John Yurish said the decision to select one person from the four final applicants was difficult. He said each applicant had a strong resume and background.

Agreeing to bring the names of all four applicants on the floor for a vote, council presented for a vote Mark Seremula and Kremus. Councilman Ed Pany and Yurish backed Seremula of Catasauqua. Councilmen Robert McHale, Robert Coleman, Keith Piescienski, Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. and Anthony (Tony) Pristash supported Kremus. Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Jr. was absent.

Michael Schneider, of Northampton, and Joshua Aniskevich, of Lehighton, were the other two applicants.

"Unfortunately, we only have one job to fill. They all interviewed well," Yurish said. McHale and Lopsonzski said three of the four applicants for the recreation center director position have roots in Northampton. Bringing his hand forward, Yurish virtually closed the thumb and finger of his hand to demonstrate how close the four men fared for the post.

Weinhofer will work in bringing Kremus up to speed on his job responsibilities. Kremus will receive a $39,951 salary, 80 percent of what Weinhofer is currently paid.

Kremus, 32, has been an assistant football coach at Northampton Area High School and has a teaching background. A resident of Allentown, Kremus is a 1989 graduate of Northampton Area High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in recreation management from the University of Maryland and a teaching certificate from East Stroudsburg University.

"My focus is to bring in all age groups into the recreation center," Kremus said, noting he hopes to increase the membership and have the center serve both children and seniors.