CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – The man who has overseen high school sports in New Hampshire for the last 21 years is retiring.

Jim Desmarais said he will retire next February as head of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association. He says he wants to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.

During Desmarais tenure as head of the NHIAA, particiation in high school sports doubled, to more than 40,000 boys and girls.