Hall of Fame
2026
Kevin Cartee
Red Bud
Kevin Cartee, CAA, devoted more than three decades to education-based athletics as an athletic administrator, coach, and servant leader whose impact is felt at the local, conference, and state levels. A retired Assistant Principal and Athletic Director from Red Bud Community Unit High School, Kevin’s career exemplifies the values, leadership, and professional commitment recognized by induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Kevin served as an athletic administrator for 24 years, including 15 years at Red Bud High School (2007–2022) and eight years as Athletic Director at East Alton–Wood River Community High School (1999–2007), along with one year as Dean of Students. Across both schools, he built programs grounded in organization, opportunity, and integrity, consistently emphasizing that competitive success and personal development are inseparable goals. His leadership helped elevate school culture, improve facilities, and expand opportunities for student-athletes and coaches alike.
Kevin’s service to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association spans 27 years and includes some of the most consequential leadership roles within the organization. He served 11 years on the IADA Executive Board and eight years as IADA Business Manager, in addition to serving as President-Elect, President, and Past President. During his tenure as Business Manager and President, the Association faced repeated logistical and financial crises, including sudden hotel closures and severe fiscal strain. Kevin’s calm demeanor, preparation, negotiation skill, and financial acumen were instrumental in navigating these challenges. His leadership directly contributed to stabilizing the Association’s finances and securing long-term conference partnerships, most notably the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, which remains the home of the IADA State Conference.
As IADA President in 2017–2018, Kevin successfully led the annual state conference during a time of financial difficulty, delivering a high-quality professional experience while reducing conference expenditures by nearly 50 percent. The savings achieved under his leadership played a significant role in restoring the Association’s long-term financial health. Kevin has also continued to give back to the profession as an IADA LTI Instructor, Hall of Fame Committee member, and Strategic Planning Committee member.
Beyond the IADA, Kevin demonstrated outstanding leadership through extensive involvement with the Illinois High School Association, serving on the IHSA Advisory Committee and as the IHSA Board IADA Liaison. He has also been deeply involved at the conference level, including long-standing service to the Cahokia Conference and the Shawnee Swim Conference in roles ranging from record keeper and by-law committee member to president and treasurer. His creation and long-term organization of the Cahokia Conference Golf Outing strengthened professional relationships and collaboration across member schools.
Kevin’s commitment to hosting and managing championship-level events is exceptional. Over his career, he coordinated dozens of IHSA regional, sectional, and playoff events across multiple sports at both Red Bud and East Alton–Wood River High Schools, as well as numerous conference and county meets. He also founded the “Run in the Bud” Cross Country Meet in 2019, an event that continues to thrive today.
His leadership extended to significant facility improvements, including major roles in the planning and approval of new competition gymnasiums, science labs, athletic complexes, concession facilities, lighting projects, and stadium renovations totaling several million dollars in investment for Red Bud High School. These projects reflect Kevin’s long-term vision and commitment to providing first-class opportunities for students and communities.
Kevin’s excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the NIAAA State Award of Merit (2019), IADA 1A/2A State Athletic Director of the Year (2015–2016), District 19 Athletic Director of the Year, and earlier recognition as Teacher of the Year. He earned his Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) credential in 2017, further underscoring his commitment to professional growth.
Earlier in his career, Kevin also made a meaningful impact as a coach, serving as a head and assistant coach in softball and as an assistant coach in basketball. During his time in a coaching role, he was a part of a 3rd and 4th place finish in softball in the Missouri Class 5A state tournament.
Respected statewide as a mentor, problem-solver, and advocate for the profession, Kevin Cartee led with integrity, preparation, and heart. His career reflects sustained excellence, transformational leadership, and service that strengthened schools, students, colleagues, and the Illinois Athletic Directors Association. For these reasons, Kevin Cartee, CAA, is a most deserving inductee into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
David Vieth
Mattoon
David Vieth’s career in education-based athletics spans more than three decades as a coach, athletic administrator, and educational leader. His record of achievement, service, and commitment to student-athletes reflects the very standards embodied by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Mr. Vieth served 15 years as Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Mattoon High School (2007–2022) and three years as Principal at Arthur Junior/Senior High School. Earlier in his career, he was an IADA member at Valmeyer High School from 1989–1992 and continued his membership during his tenure at Mattoon. Across these roles, he demonstrated consistent leadership, organizational excellence, and a deep understanding of the integral role athletics play within the educational mission of a school.
As Athletic Director at Mattoon, Mr. Vieth oversaw a comprehensive athletic program while managing significant facility enhancements that transformed the district’s athletic infrastructure. He played a key role in a multi-million-dollar renovation of Mattoon’s outdoor athletic complex, including installation of a turf football field, all-weather track, new bleachers and video board, baseball turf infield and backstop, Musco lighting, turf soccer field with lights, and six new tennis courts with fencing. These upgrades elevated competitive opportunities and community engagement while ensuring safe, modern facilities for student-athletes.
Under his leadership, Mattoon regularly hosted IHSA regional and sectional contests across multiple sports, as well as annual marquee events including an eight-team Girls’ Basketball Holiday Tournament, a wrestling tournament, and a soccer tournament. His commitment to hosting high-quality events expanded opportunities for student-athletes across the region and strengthened the school’s reputation for organizational excellence.
Mr. Vieth’s service extended well beyond the local level. Within the IADA, he coordinated the State Conference hospitality room for five years and introduced conference speakers for several years, contributing to the professional growth experience of athletic administrators statewide. He also served the Illinois High School Association on the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and the Track and Field Advisory Committee, and he worked the IHSA Girls State Track Meet for ten years as the High Jump event official. These roles demonstrate his investment in both student safety and the integrity of interscholastic competition.
At the conference and district levels, Mr. Vieth held numerous leadership positions, including President of the Big 12 Conference, Vice-President and President of the Apollo Conference, and District 14 Representative. His peers consistently entrusted him with leadership responsibilities that required collaboration, sound judgment, and forward-thinking decision-making.
Before transitioning fully into administration, Mr. Vieth compiled an outstanding coaching career. As Head Baseball Coach at Nashville High School, he amassed a remarkable 293–94 record from 1993–2004, following a successful tenure at Valmeyer High School (52–35). He also served as an assistant football coach during a 75–34 run at Nashville and coached basketball and baseball at multiple levels early in his career. His coaching excellence was recognized with multiple Southern Illinois Coaches Association Coach of the Year honors and Illinois Baseball Coaches Association South Coach of the Year recognition. Later, his administrative leadership was honored with the IADA Division Athletic Director of the Year (Class 3A & 4A) award in 2017–2018.
Throughout his career, David Vieth has been described as organized, approachable, and unwavering in his support of student-athletes and coaches. He consistently emphasized program-wide success, equitable opportunities, and the personal development of young people through athletics. His leadership strengthened school communities, improved facilities, elevated competitive standards, and supported the professional growth of colleagues across Illinois.
David Vieth’s sustained excellence, professional service, and lasting impact on education-based athletics make him a most deserving candidate for induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Steve Rockrohr
Glenbrook South
Steve Rockrohr’s career in athletic administration is defined by visionary leadership, principled governance, and sustained service to Glenbrook South High School, the Central Suburban League, the Illinois High School Association, and the Illinois Athletic Directors Association. His influence over the past twenty-five years has helped shape both the competitive landscape and the governance structure of interscholastic athletics in Illinois.
As Athletic Director at Glenbrook South High School for 18 years, Steve led one of the state’s premier athletic programs with integrity, organization, and a steadfast commitment to education-based athletics. Under his direction, Glenbrook South consistently competed at a championship level across multiple boys and girls sports while maintaining strong relationships with coaches, officials, and league counterparts. He was a respected and influential voice within the Central Suburban League, serving as League President and sports chair for multiple sports. His leadership during a critical period included strategic initiatives such as scheduling crossover partnerships that strengthened league stability and preserved competitive balance.
Steve’s impact on the IHSA is both substantial and enduring. He hosted numerous IHSA events, served on multiple IHSA committees, and was a member of the Lacrosse Advisory Committee during the pivotal years leading to full IHSA recognition of boys and girls lacrosse. His multi-year advocacy effort before the IHSA Board of Directors culminated in lacrosse becoming an officially sanctioned state sport, an achievement that permanently expanded participation opportunities for student-athletes across Illinois.
Equally significant was Steve’s leadership in advancing athletic director representation on the IHSA Board of Directors. As the co-author and chief advocate of the by-law proposal, he traveled the state presenting at town hall meetings and building consensus among stakeholders. The successful adoption of this measure ensured that practicing athletic administrators with daily operational responsibilities would have a formal decision-making voice in IHSA governance. Today, athletic director representation on the IHSA Board stands as one of the most meaningful structural advancements in recent association history.
Steve’s service to the IADA has been equally distinguished. A member since 1998, he served as President-Elect, President, and Past President, in addition to roles on the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Registration Committee, and as State Conference Co-Chair. He was a frequent presenter at both the IADA State Conference and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Conference, sharing expertise and mentoring colleagues across Illinois and beyond. His presidency was marked by inclusive leadership, strong professional advocacy, and a commitment to elevating the role of the athletic director statewide. In recognition of his excellence, he was named IADA Athletic Director of the Year (2017), Division Athletic Director of the Year on multiple occasions, and recipient of the IADA State Award of Merit.
Beyond titles and honors, Steve’s legacy is defined by mentorship and conviction. He was known for candid guidance, principled decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to what was best for students and the profession. He invested in colleagues, supported rival schools when needed, and consistently prioritized the greater good of Illinois athletics over local advantage.
Steve Rockrohr’s body of work reflects leadership that strengthened programs, preserved leagues, reformed governance, and expanded opportunity for student-athletes statewide. His career embodies the highest standards of professionalism, service, and impact, making him a most deserving inductee into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
2025
Albert Albrecht
Lemont High School
Albert Albrecht began his education and coaching career at Pittsfield High School. Al then returned to his alma mater of Lemont High School. He became the school’s athletic director for the final ten years of his career. Prior to that, he held teaching positions in geography, physical education, and driver education. He served as the driver education chair for fifteen years.
Al has maintained his membership in the IADA since 1991. He served the IADA in numerous ways at the State Conference. He presented for two years, assisted with conference and vendor registrations for fifteen years, handled exhibitor registrations for fifteen years, and conference gift distributions for fifteen years.
Lemont Principal Eric Michaelsen shared the following, “The loyalty, integrity, and honesty that define Al, are words that I wish we could use to describe leaders in the world today. Unfortunately we cannot, but we can honor the people like Al. I use lessons I learned in the classroom, athletic field, and as a coach from Al everyday.”
Al successfully coached four different sports during his career in education: cross country, volleyball, wrestling, and baseball. He is a member of the Lemont Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament Hall of Fame and the Lemont High School Hall of Fame. A committee of Lemont teachers and board members twice awarded Al’s excellence at Lemont High School The Extra Mile Award is awarded to recognize someone for continued excellence throughout an entire school year and the Pride in Excellence Award is granted to someone who has had an exceptional career at Lemont High School.
As Al reflects on his time at Lemont, two large building projects came to his mind, “We constructed an all-weather track and stadium. Two years later, we added a field house with an indoor running track, three basketball courts, four volleyball/badminton courts, and a weight room.” He states highlights like the following are what he remembers as an athletic director, “I was able to improve the promotion of the school’s athletic programs, sanction gymnastics as a school sport, and grow the Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament.”
Steve Haines
Seneca High School
In 2000, Steve Haines accepted the athletic director position at Seneca High School, and the Irish would benefit until his retirement in 2022. While maintaining his membership in the IADA and NIAAA, Steve also served the IADA in multiple capacities. He served as a District 11 Liaison for eight years, Conference Prize Chair for seven years, Division 4 At-Large Rep for one year, Conference Co-Chair for one year, and the Hall of Fame Chair for seven years. He served in the roles of President Elect, President, and Past-President of the IADA. He was the IADA State AD of the Year for 1A/2A in 2022. He also received the NIAAA State Award of Merit in 2014. Steve has also taught LTC courses at the State Conference.
For the IHSA, Steve served on various committees throughout his career, which included the Softball Advisory Committee for three years, the Basketball Advisory Committee for three years, the Athletic Administration Advisory Committee for three years and the Sportsmanship Advisory Committee for six years. He also currently serves as an at-large board member for the Illinois Coaches Association beginning in 2022.
Steve took an active leadership role when it came time for the Interstate 8 Conference to expand and served as the President/Secretary/Schedule Master for fourteen years.
As Steve reflects on his time at Seneca High School he shares, “The facility additions and renovations were considerable during my time and I enjoyed my time working with the athletic directors from the various conferences we have been affiliated with, and specifically, the men and women I worked with in the Interstate 8 Conference.”
Steve also held athletic director roles at Casey-Westfield and Flanagan High Schools. In the classroom, Steve taught junior high and high school math from 1989 until 2000. HIs courses included Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. He also held numerous coaching positions in tennis, golf, baseball, football, softball, and basketball.
Michael Coughlin, Seneca High School Principal, shared the following about Steve, “His hard work, organizational skills, and caring approach allowed him to sustain a very successful athletic program for all of our student-athletes.”
Paul Held
Taylorville High School
Paul Held’s career at Taylorville High School began in 1989 when he took a position as a math teacher and coach. From 2005-2020, Paul assumed the duties of the Athletic Director while also serving as the Dean of Students. Both positions he would hold until his retirement in 2020. Paul was a member of the IADA and NIAAA from 2005 until 2020. From 2016-2020, Paul served as the Division 6 Liaison for the IADA and served on the IHSA Advisory Committee for seven years.
Paul’s career in education began in 1987 at the Athens School District where he was a teacher and a coach for two years. During his time at Taylorville High School, Paul coached high school baseball for nine years and four of those years served as the varsity head coach. He also spent five years as a boys basketball coach. He was the varsity girls tennis coach for two years and three years as the varsity girls softball coach. Paul was in charge of the ticket takers at THS for five years while also running the clock for football and basketball games.
During his tenure as athletic director at Taylorville, Paul started the Taylorville Boys Christmas Tournament, Taylorville Boys Freshman and JV Basketball Tournaments, and the Abe Lincoln Bowling Tournament. All of these tournaments are still going on at Taylorville each year because of Paul’s forward thinking. Similarly, two new sports were started because of the efforts of Paul. He helped start the Boys bowling program at THS, in large part due to receiving a $2500 grant from the United States Bowling Congress. He was also responsible for starting the girls soccer program.
When Taylorville joined the Apollo Conference, Paul helped with the advancement of the conference in numerous ways. He served as conference secretary, built master schedules for each sport, introduced the use of ArbiterPay, and ran the Apollo Conference website. After retirement, Paul came back to the Apollo Conference as a volunteer to help build master schedules for the COVID-19 school year.
When Paul reflects on the many years and roles at Taylorville High School, he states, “It was the people that I met and students who we served that made the many long hours and heavy workload worth it. I really enjoyed working with our community and student-athletes.” Those community relationships became important when the school and community partnered to fundraise for the installation of an artificial turf football field during Paul’s tenure.
Mike Obsuszt
Walther Lutheran/Barrington High School
As an athletic director Mike’s strategy was straightforward. He wanted to grow professionally and he wanted his coaches to do the same. He shared, “One of the things I’m most proud of is setting the example for the coaches on my staff to continue to grow professionally. I always encouraged my coaches to attend clinics, state finals, and college practices. At the same time, I attended the IADA & NIAAA Conferences each year and took classes at those conferences which allowed me to obtain my CMAA. I did my best to reach out to new AD’s to help them out in whatever manner I could.”
Mike was a 19 year member of the IADA and earned his CMAA in 2011. On the national level, Mike served on the NIAAA Coaches Education Committee two times. As a member of the IADA, Mike presented mini sessions for three years and served as a presider at the state conference for two years. He was also the hospitality co-chair at the state conference for two years and served on the IADA registration committee for two years. Mike was selected as the 3A/4A State Athletic Director of the Year in 2013.
Mike and Barrington High School served the IHSA as the host site for the Boys State Gymnastics Tournament for five years. He was inducted into the Barrington High School Hall of Fame in 2024. In 2020, he was honored as the Illinois Wrestling & Officials Association Administrator of the Year. In 2008, he worked to supervise the design and construction of Barrington Community Stadium. His nineteen years as the athletic director at Barrington High School now stands as the longest tenured person to hold the position.
In the classroom, Mike taught Honors Global Studies at Barrington and U.S. History and Physical Education at Walther Lutheran. He also held coaching positions in basketball, football, and baseball. He was honored as the IBCA District Coach of the Year in Basketball in 1989 and 2002.
Dr. Steve May shared the following about Mike, “He was a very well respected member of the Mid Suburban League where he served as the president, football chair, and was on various other committees within the MSL. Mike was always willing to help the member schools of the MSL and was always a voice of reason when dealing with tough issues.
Andy Turner
Normal Community/Maine South High School
Andy’s career in education and athletics took three stops. He was an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Rochester High School for three years. He then served Normal Community High School as the Athletic Director for ten years. He then took the same role at Maine South High School for the final four years of his career.
During that time he was a seventeen year member of the IADA. In 2009, he was selected as the Division 5 Athletic Director of the Year. He was a Division 6 Representative for two years, State Conference Mini Session Presenter for one year, and Division 5 Representative for two years. He served as the State Conference Co-Chair for two years.
He worked with the IHSA by serving on the Officials Advisory and Competitive Dance Advisory Committees each for three years.
His service in 2015 was recognized by the Illinois House of Representatives through their Recognition of Service Award.
Andy noted highlights at each school that he served. For Rochester, he experienced a Boys Golf State Championship, Boys Soccer State Runner-up, and proposed football to the Board of Education and membership to the Corn Belt Conference. At Normal Community, they attended the Volleyball State Finals four different times, Football State Championship, Softball State Championship, attended the Boys Basketball State Finals twice, and a Boys Soccer State Runner-up finish. At Maine South, a Football State Championship, a Competitive Dance State Championship, and a Girls Gymnastics State Finals 3rd place finish. He also remembers the many individual medalists in cross country, bass fishing, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and wrestling,
Andy earned a master degree in science education and taught middle school science for nine years and high school science for five years. While a head varsity baseball coach, Andy had successful stops at three schools. At Normal West, he won two Regional Championships, at Normal Community his teams won a Regional Championship and also advanced to the State Finals. He is currently the varsity coach at Heyworth High School and his teams have already collected two Regional Championships in 2023 and 2024.
Andy reflected by sharing, “It was important to me that both varsity and freshman athletes felt supported and that they understood their competition was important to me and our school.”
Dr. Jeanette Nuckolls, retired Principal of Normal Community High School, described Andy with the following words, “One of the best ways to describe Andy is as a person of integrity. He is collaborative, honest and trust-worthy. He is professional in his preparation for whatever task or responsibility set before him. He demonstrates great creativity and organizational skills. He excels at problem solving. He is highly regarded and respected among his colleagues.”
2024
Jerry Dobbs
Palatine High School
Jerry was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association from 1997 through 2020. In that time, he served on the Conference Registration Committee for 15 years, he was a division representative for Division #2 for two years and district representative for District #4 for four years, Co-Chaired the Hospitality Committee for two years, and he served on the Hall of Fame Committee and Mentor Chair for one year. Jerry also served one term on the following IHSA Committees: Academic All-State Committee, Legislative Commission, and Athletic Administrator Advisory Committee.
Prior to his 23 1/2 years as the athletic director at Palatine High School, Jerry also served as an assistant principal for one year. He also was the Dean of Students for two years at Schaumburg High School. In the classroom, Jerry taught applied technology courses that included drafting, wood working, metal working, building construction, and electronics. Jerry was the head football and basketball coach at Buda Western High School for one year. He also held assistant football, track, and basketball coaching positions at Villa Grove, Taylorville, Lake Zurich, and Schaumburg.
Jerry was named the IADA Division #2 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2020.
Jerry enjoyed the working relationships formed with athletic directors from across the State of Illinois. He feels fortunate to begin his career at Palatine during a time when he was able to work with six other IADA Hall of Fame Inductees: Don Crandall, Bill Sissel, John Selke, Washington Bush, and Jack Drollinger. His interactions with them taught him the importance of actively engaging in the IADA and IHSA. Jerry states, “In my twenty-three years, I worked hard to follow their lead and be as active as possible in the NIAAA, IADA, and IHSA.” Palatine High School was also the host site for the IHSA Girls State Gymnastics Meet for the entirety of Jerry’s career.
Marty Manning shared the following, ”There is no doubt I would have struggled mightily as an athletic director my first couple of years on the job without his support and mentorship. He has passed on this devotion to service through his mentorship, and left a legacy for not only me to follow but many athletic directors who came to know Jerry. He modeled and encouraged me to get involved in the NIAAA, IADA, and IHSA.”
Jerry’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
Jim Meyers
Johnsburg High School
Jim was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association from 1975 through 2003. In that time, he served the IADA in a variety of ways. He was on the conference registration and vendor committees, he was a district representative, and he moderated and spoke during conference mini sessions.
Jim was awarded the IADA Class AA Athletic Director of the Year in 1993. The National Council of Secondary Schools awarded him Athletic Director of the year in 1994. In 1997, he received the inaugural IHSA Sportsmanship Recognition Award.
Jim started his athletic administration career at Irving Crown High School for four years. He then transitioned to Johnsburg High School and served as the athletic director for twenty-five years. Prior to his twenty-nine years in athletic administration, Jim taught Health Education and Physical Education at both Irving Crown and Johnsburg. During his time at Irving Crown High School (which is now Dundee-Crown High School), he coached football for three years, basketball for six years, cheerleading for one year, and baseball for six years. In 1974 his baseball team won a district championship. At Johnsburg, Jim coached football for eighteen years, baseball for seven years, and softball for fifteen years. He won one baseball regional championship and was selected as the Class A McHenry County Baseball Coach of the Year in 1982. In softball, his teams earned seven conference championships and he was selected as the Northwest Herald Class AA Softball Coach of the Year in 1992.
Jim worked many years officiating varsity basketball, football, and softball games. He was assigned postseason IHSA playoff games in football and worked for over a decade in the state series of softball. Jim is a 2020 inductee into the Big K Hall of Fame. This organization encompasses officials from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin that recognizes longevity and accomplishments in the officiating community.
Jim considers the following as the highlights of his athletic administration: the relationships formed with all of the student-athletes he coached and worked with, the many coaches he was fortunate to work with, the administrators that helped and allowed him to do his job, and most important of all, the loving support he received from his family during all the years he played, coached, and administered sports.
Rick Bailey, a retired teacher and coach from Johnsburg High School, shared the following, “What I quickly found out working with Jim was his complete dedication to do everything within his power to make every Johnsburg student and student-athlete have the best experiences possible. Jim was always the first one in the building and almost always the last one to leave at the end of the day. His door was always open. If you needed anything that would enhance the quality of the athletic team, he would do all he could to make sure you received it. Jim was involved with numerous upgrades and facility additions at Johnsburg High School for numerous sports. Every team that came to play at Johnsburg knew they were playing on the best quality facility Johnsburg could provide. They also knew they would be treated with the respect and care that all visiting high school teams deserve.”
Jim’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
Greg King
Sterling High School
Greg began his membership in the Illinois Athletic Directors Association in 2010 and is currently still a member. He was a district representative for District #11 for six years and a division representative for Division #4 for two years. When the IADA State Conference resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as the Hospitality Chair and assisted the Vendor Chair.
Prior to his eleven years in athletic administration, Greg served as a Dean of Students for ten years. During his time at Sterling, Greg was the head football coach for ten years, compiling a 78-28 record. He was also an assistant football coach at Sterling and Rock Island High School for a total of nineteen years. Greg also spent time coaching at Bushnell-Prairie City as a head coach for one year and an assistant coach in football and basketball for three years. During his time at Bushnell-Prairie City and Rock Island, Greg taught History, Political Science, Government, and Driver’s Education. In 2020, Greg retired from Sterling High School.
Greg received two awards to honor his service and excellence in his role as an athletic administrator. In 2017, 2019, and 2021 he was selected as the Division 4 athletic director of the year. Greg was also honored with the Ray Elliot Award by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2019.
Greg lists the facility upgrades that were made over the course of a decade as a significant accomplishment as an athletic director. This included installing field turf and a digital scoreboard for the stadium, renovating Roscoe Stadium, refurbishing the tennis facility and lights, resurfacing the eight lane track, installing a scoreboard for softball, and renovating the Homer Musgrove Fieldhouse. Greg also oversaw top four finishes in the IHSA state series in Football, Boys Cross Country, Softball, and Volleyball. This included volleyball state championships in 2018 and 2019. Because of those facility updates, Sterling hosted over fifty IHSA state series events including super-sectionals in softball and soccer.
Kevin Crandall shared the following, “Greg was extremely organized, hard-working, and was always willing to step up and volunteer for extra responsibilities and projects to help the conference. Greg served on several IHSA and IADA committees and his input was always valued. Before taking over the Athletic Director responsibilities at Sterling in 2012, Greg was a highly successful and respected head football coach and continues to serve schools and student-athletes through his role as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association. As the Executive Director, I work closely with Greg throughout the year with IHSFCA membership, all-state teams, academic all-state teams and the clinic in the spring. Greg has been instrumental in the growth of our organization. Greg is also very involved with the yearly Illinois Shriners’ All-Star Football game played each June in Bloomington. Greg is involved with the selection process as well as helping supervise players during the week of the game.”
Greg’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
2023
BRIANT KELLY
Libertyville High School
Briant was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association from 2007 through 2017. In that time, he served the IADA on the executive board as president, president-elect, and he served on the IHSA Athletic Director Advisory Committee for four years. He was a district representative for District #6 for two years and a division representative for Division #2 for three years.
Prior to his ten years in athletic administration, Briant began as a mathematics teacher at Libertyville High School from 2000-2007. He taught courses on Geometry, Statistics, and Trigonometry. During his time at Libertyville, Briant was also an assistant girls basketball coach, assistant boys basketball coach, assistant boys track coach, and a head boys track coach. As a boys head track coach, he compiled a 24 – 7 record, and his teams won the track sectional championship in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, Briant moved into the athletic director role at Libertyville.
Briant received two awards to honor his service and excellence in his role as an athletic administrator. In 2017, he received the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association State Award of Merit. He also received the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Distinguished Service Award in 2018.
After serving in his role as athletic director, Briant moved to the central office of Community High School District #128. He has served as an Associate Superintendent for the past six years, where his duties include being the Title IX Coordinator, overseeing and collaborating with the athletic directors at Libertyville and Vernon Hills High Schools, and serving on construction projects involving extracurricular activities.
Briant lists the following as his biggest accomplishments as an athletic director: increasing female participation in athletics at Libertyville High School; collaboratively working on construction projects that included the aquatic center, dance studio, multi-purpose facility, the Brainerd Athletic Complex, the softball field renovation, and the renovation of the Main and West Gyms; and supporting the many teams and individuals who successfully competed at IHSA State competitions.
John Woods, current Athletic Director at Libertyville High School, stated, “Briant is an athletic director at heart. He has never really left the role. Briant’s support is unwavering, and his leadership is second to none. It is rare that a high school athletic director will feel the support from their superiors, and perhaps even more rare that they will witness that support in action.”
Briant’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
STAN LEWIS
Normal Community West High School/Champaign Centennial High School
Stan has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association from 1990 through 2020. In that time, he has served the IADA on the executive board as the membership chair for fourteen years. He was a district representative for two years and a division representative for Division #5 for two years. He also served on the prize committee and technology committee during the state conference to help ensure that the conferences ran smoothly.
Prior to Stan’s three decades of athletic administration at Normal West and Champaign Centennial, he served in an interim role at Champaign Centennial as an associate principal and an assistant business manager. Prior to that, Stan taught accounting and business classes at Champaign Centennial. He was also a head soccer coach in 1987, an assistant football coach in 1988, and a head baseball coach from 1995 to 2001. In those seven seasons as a head coach in baseball, he accumulated 177 wins for an average of just over 25 wins per season.
Stan says that he has been blessed to work with fantastic coaches, administrators, and support staff. He considers some of his biggest accomplishments as an athletic director to be hosting IHSA postseason events in the many sports offered at Champaign Centennial and Normal West. He was involved with facility improvements at both schools that included recognition boards in the competition gyms. At Normal West, he helped to implement a three-dimensional coaching philosophy and created the All-State Wall to honor athletes who earned All-State honors.
Stan was twice selected as the Division 5 Athletic Director of the Year in 3A/4A by his peers. He received the IHSA Distinguished Service Award in 2018. He was selected to join the Bloomington-Normal Officials Hall of Fame in 2020 and the Illinois Basketball Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2021. He was selected by Normal West High School to join their Wall of Fame in 2022.
John Zabo, retired athletic director at Bloomington High School, stated, “Stan always puts students first and goes the extra mile to ensure their success whether they are from Normal or another school. His heart is always in the right place, and he is an outstanding role model, not only for his students/athletes, but for all of us. He possesses a real passion for his family, Christ, job, and life! Anyone that knows Stan would agree.”
Stan’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
STEVE MAY
Steve was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association from 2001 through 2020. In that time, he served the IADA on the executive board as past-president, president, president-elect, secretary, and the state conference chair. He also served on the state conference committee for two years and the Hall of Fame committee for two years. He was a district representative for District #4 for four years and a division representative for Division #2 for four years. He also served on the first strategic planning committee of the IADA.
At the national level, he twice presented mini-sessions for the NIAAA/NFHS and served on the NIAAA/NFHS National Conference Planning Committee for two years. He has published two articles in the NIAAA journal.
Prior to his nearly two decades in athletic administration, Steve served Prospect High School as a Dean of Students for five years, where he also coached basketball. Steve also taught English for eight years at Winston Park Jr High in Palatine, where he coached boys basketball, girls basketball, and wrestling. Prior to that, he spent one year at Crystal Lake Central High School and Crystal Lake South High School, where he coached soccer.
Steve received three awards to honor his service and excellence in his role as an athletic administrator. In 2014, he received the Bruce Whitehead Distinguished Service Award. He was selected as the Athletic Director of the year for 3A/4A in 2015, and he received the NIAAA Award of Merit for the State of Illinois in 2013.
Highlights of Steve’s time as an athletic administrator include working with IHSA Executive Directors Marty Hickman and Craig Anderson. He enjoyed watching numerous teams and individuals from Wheeling High School win state trophies and medals. He was able to start the Wheeling High School Hall of Fame in 2007. Lastly, he appreciates the great mentors and friends in the Mid-Suburban League and partnering with colleagues in the Mid-Suburban League and from across the state.
Mike Obsuszt, retired athletic director from Barrington High School, had this to say about Steve, “I worked closely with Steve during our time together in the Mid-Suburban League. He is a true professional. Over the course of his career, he has constantly worked to grow as an athletic administrator and at the same time serve the NIAAA, IADA, the MSL. He brings all of this knowledge and experiences back to Wheeling High School where he has been a true servant-leader to the students there for many years.”
Steve’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
2022
STEVE ADAMS
Maine South High School, Prospect High School
Steve has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1994. In that time, he has served the IADA on both the registration committee and the registration chair, and he has been a conference presenter and presider. Steve has been the conference co-chair twice; in both instances, he had to work around hotel closures to secure a new venue for our annual conference.
Steve has been involved in education and athletics for the past 39 years. Starting in 1983, he began his career in Lanark as a high school math teacher and an assistant football and boys basketball coach. In 1984, Steve moved to Gladbrook, IA, where he taught math and was the JH football coach, head boys basketball coach, and head baseball coach. In 1985, Steve returned to Illinois as a math teacher and an assistant baseball, football, and boys basketball coach at Prospect High School. In 1998, Steve moved to Elk Grove High School where he continued to teach math, work as an assistant coach in basketball and golf, and work as the head baseball coach. In 1994, Steve went back to Prospect High School where he became the boys athletic director at Prospect High School: a position he held for 10 years. During this tenure at Prospect, Steve was an assistant golf and boys basketball coach. In 2004, Steve was named the athletic director at Maine South High School: a position he held until his retirement in 2016. In his retirement, he continues to work in the athletic and education field as the Athletics Facilities & Events Manager for Cornell College in Iowa. In addition to the Athletics Facilities & Events Manager position, Steve was also named the IADA Division 2 Athletic Director of the year in 2011, and he has served the IHSA as a member of the Sportsmanship Advisory Committee.
Dave Claypool, former administrator with Steve at Maine South High School, said, “His relentless pursuit of excellence as a leader of a very strong athletics program was surpassed only by his unwavering commitment to help his coaches and athletes achieve at even greater levels. Respected by athletes, parents, coaches, and his peers, Mr. Adams represented the best of his profession.””
Former athletic administration colleague Steve Rockrohr stated, “He is calm, personable, reflective, organized, and not afraid to make a decision. These characteristics shined a light on his ability to serve the principals, athletic directors, and coaches from all over the state and do so in a productive and professional manner.”
Steve’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led to his selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
RANDY CONRAD
Leyden High School
Randy has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1998. In that time, he has served the IADA on the registration committee.
Randy has been involved in education and athletics for the past 37 years. Starting in 1985, he
began his career in Elmwood Park where he taught Industrial Technology and was an assistant
track coach, an assistant baseball coach, and an assistant wrestling coach and then the head wrestling coach in 1998. In 1990, Randy would move on to Conant High School where he was a department chair, dean of students, wrestling coach, and girls golf coach. In 1998, Randy would become the athletic director at Leyden High School, a position he held until his retirement in 2018. Randy’s willingness to serve, and his devotion to the sport of wrestling, resulted in Randy being honored by a sport that was so meaningful to him. IWCOA named him the Administrator of the Year in 2000, and they also inducted Randy into their Hall of Fame that same year. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Illinois Chapter in 2016. Also in 2016, Randy was honored by the IHSA as the State Wrestling Tournament Grand Marshal. Additionally, Randy served the IHSA as a member of the Athletic Administrators Advisory Committee; moreover, he was the IHSA Wrestling State Final Head Table Supervisor for sixteen years and the Wrestling State Tournament Director for four years. He also served the NFHS as a member of the Wrestling Rules committee for four years. The Leyden Board of Education has also honored Randy in a number of ways: first, they named the Leyden Eagle Wrestling Invite the Randy Conrad Invitational in 2018, and they also named the school’s wrestling room The Randy Conrad Wrestling Room in 2018.
Mike Morris, current executive director of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association, said, “His ability to examine a situation, evaluate the options, and promote a positive consensus among the other 13 athletic directors in his conference was remarkable. Randy was extremely helpful to all his fellow athletic administrators with his conference, especially the “rookie” athletic directors who he has volunteered to mentor during his tenure.”
IADA Hall of Fame member, Tim Feigh stated, “Everyone that he came in contact with respected Randy. People knew that he would deal with any situation in a fair and direct manner. At the top of his list of priorities was the quality and integrity of Leyden and its athletic programs. He did whatever he could to protect student athletes and their right to participate, but when he had to make the tough call and act in his role as disciplinarian, he did so without hesitation. Randy’s decisions were fair and in the best interest of the student, the sport, and the school.”
Randy’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led to his selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
DAN DILLARDLisle High School, Farmington High School
Dan has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1987. In that time, he has served the IADA on the conference committee, has been a conference presenter three times, and has served for three years as an At-Large Division Rep for the IADA Board.
Dan has been involved in education and athletics for 42 years. Starting in 1977, he began his career at Newark High School where he taught physical education and was the assistant basketball coach and the head boys soccer coach. In 1979, Dan was hired by Union High School as the head basketball coach and the asst. football coach; the next year, Dan was also named the head football coach. In 1981 at Union High School, the football team played for a state title in Class 2A Football. After a two-year stint at Warren High School, Dan moved to Farmington High School in 1984. In 1987, Dan was named the athletic director, served 13 years in that position at Farmington, and then moved to Lisle in 2000. Dan eventually became the athletic administrator at Lisle Senior High School, which is the position he held until his retirement in 2019. Among the aforementioned titles and accomplishments, Dan was also named the 1A/2A State Athletic Director of the Year in 2005, was inducted into Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014, and served on the executive board of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association for four years, including serving as their President in 1997.
Pete Meyer, the current head baseball coach at Lisle High School, said, “Dan is the epitome of an athletic director who promotes the values of athletic sportsmanship as an integral part of the educational process. One of the many lessons that Dan has ingrained in me, every athlete and every coach in Lisle is that our job is to create better athletes, better students, better people.”
Dr. Peter Sullivan, former principal at Lisle High School, stated, “Dan was an early adopter of social media as a tool to share information about student athletes and Lisle programs with families and members of the community. While not a tech person, he understood the need to get people where they are living. Dan was one of the first AD’s to film and stream games. Dan was revered within the AD community as a knowledgeable and dedicated professional to whom peers often went when confronted with challenging situations. Dan Dillard was the most hands-on AD I have ever seen.”
Dan’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led to his selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
DARLENE GRAF
Queen of Peace High School, Maria High School, St. Barbara High School
Darlene had been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 45 years, beginning in 1968. With this year being the 50 anniversary of Title IX, Darlene has seen it all and has been on the forefront for the rise of female athletics over those years.
Her 45 years in athletic administration began at St. Barbara High School in 1968. Darlene oversaw four sports and six coaches. She also oversaw the additions of basketball, softball, and soccer to the athletic program. On top of that, Darlene was also the head varsity and junior varsity volleyball coach and the varsity softball coach. In 1995, she transitioned to Maria High School where she was the athletic director until 2003 and oversaw 35 coaches. During her time at Maria High School, she added more programs to the school, including golf and water polo. In 2003, Darlene was named the athletic director of Queen of Peace High School; she remained in that position for ten years until her retirement in 2013. In 1997, St. Barbara High School recognized Darlene with the Sister Mary Grandy’s Award for Service. The IADA honor will not be Darlene’s first Hall of Fame recognition. In 2002, the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference inducted her in their Hall of Fame, and in 2003, she was inducted into the Maria High School Hall of Fame. Then in 2010, Darlene was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Additionally, Darlene was the IADA Division 1 Athletic Director of the Year in 2001, and she was named the IADA Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2009. Also, the NIAAA recognized Darlene in 2013 for 45 years of service.
Darlene is still involved in high school athletics as the president of the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference: a position she has held since 1995. Collectively, she has had a total of 54 years of involvement in high school athletics.
Thomas Schergen, current principal of De La Salle Institute, states, “Darlene Graf is the quintessential Athletic Director. She created opportunities for female athletes that would not have existed without her influence and passion. Her selfless leadership style has helped her impact thousands of High School student-athletes. I have experienced firsthand the positive life experiences she created for ALL of the athletes she served. As a young coach, Darlene took interest in mentoring me and was a major factor in my development as a Coach and Athletic Director. She has made an indelible imprint in Illinois Interscholastic Athletics.”
John Catalano, current athletic administrator at Glenbrook North High School, says, “Darlene Graf has devoted her life to the betterment of athletics and has been a role model to thousands of young women. Her leadership within the GCAC is unparalleled. She is a legend and pioneer in private education.”
Darlene’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and her dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Darlene to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
PERRY WILHELM
Mundelein High School
Perry has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 2003. In that time, he has served the IADA on the executive board as treasurer for three years, and he has been a presenter at the annual conference.
Prior to his fourteen years in athletic administration, Perry began as a physical education teacher at Mundelein High School from 1982 to 1996. In 1993, Perry moved into his first administrative role as the dean of students at Mundelein, and he ended his first tenure at Mundelein as the interim athletic director in 2003 to 2004. During his time at Mundelein, Perry was an assistant soccer coach, an assistant football coach, and a head girls tennis coach. Peery even spent 22 years coaching basketball: ten years in the girls basketball program with eight seasons as the head coach and twelve years in the boys’ basketball program with nine seasons as the head coach. In 2004, Perry moved to Grant High School to become that school’s athletic director and head of the PE, Health, and Drivers’ Ed department. In 2006, Perry returned to Mundelein to serve as the athletic director, a role he held until his retirement in 2016. Perry was honored by the IADA by being named Outstanding Class 3A/4A Athletic Director in 2013. Perry was inducted in the Mundelein Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Lake County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
Perry is still involved with educational athletics in his retirement. Perry was a coach at Stevenson High School before moving to Florida. In Florida, he works at Heritage High School as a special education teacher and a volunteer strength coach. He is still coaching, and he works as an on-line health, fitness, and strength coach for a best-selling fitness author.
Perry lists his biggest accomplishments as an athletic director with the following programs: his work with SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team), HAC (Hispanic Athletic Counsel); Interactive Hall of Fame, Students with Disabilities, and many other programs that are still a part of everyday life at Mundelein High School.
Trisha Betthauser, current Athletic Director at Stevenson High School, said, “First and foremost, he established a reputation with his coaches as a mentor, one who cares deeply about them as people and professionals. He consistently supported them with feedback regarding their growth and development and focused on the tenets of education-based athletics as fundamental principles for those discussions.”
Current Athletic Director at Mundelein High School, Troy Parola, stated, “Perry is one of a kind and can be in charge of anyone and can do anything and do it with high quality. Perry is a high character individual that you never had to worry about, the student athletes at MHS had a great coach/leader in his time at MHS.”
Perry’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
2021
DAN WIECZOREK
Fieldcrest High School
Dan has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1991. In that time, he had served the IADA as a member of the 2002 Strategic Plan Committee, the conference Registration committee, the conference golf committee, and the conference 50/50 raffle committee. Dan has also been a presenter at the conference.
Prior to his 20 years in athletic administration, Dan began as a US History and Government teacher at Wenona High School from 1977 to 1992 where he coached junior high and high school baseball, he was an assistant boys’ basketball coach and later head basketball coach. In 1989, he would become the athletic director at Wenona High School until Wenona High School became part of the consolidation known as Fieldcrest High School in 1992. When that happened, Dan became the athletic director at the newly formed school in 1997, and this would be a position he would hold until his retirement in 2014. While at Fieldcrest, he coached 6th/7th grade girls’ basketball and was an assistant girls’ basketball coach and the head girls’ basketball coach. Dan was honored by his athletic conference, the Heart of Illinois Conference, by receiving the Bud Maynard Award in 2010. Dan was also honored by the IADA by being named the Illinois Class 1A/2A Athletic of the Year in 2014. Dan served the IHSA on the Legislative Commission from Division 4 for 3 years. Additionally, he was on the IHSA Baseball Advisory Committee, the baseball state finals Sportsmanship Committee, and the inaugural Dance Advisory Committee. Dan had also been a volunteer for 17 years for the March Madness Experience in Peoria. Currently, Dan is in his 45th year as an IHSA baseball umpire, including umpiring at 3 IHSA state finals.
Mark Brown, current baseball coach at Fieldcrest High School said, “Dan was extremely organized as an Athletic Director, and this made coaching extremely easy. His attention to detail did not go unnoticed. Whether it was a simple practice schedule or hosting a tournament, everything was taken care of.”
Current Principal of Fieldcrest High School, William Lapp, stated “Dan’s efficiency as a task manager was always sound in practice. Organized and detailed athletic programs, advanced scheduling of officials and coordinated agendas of nightly events are examples of his level of involvement. Through his management practice and style, Dan focused on the need to build lasting relationships with fellow schools and colleagues. Dan’s ability to be a quality listener who took time to consider other points of view and suggestions to problems was always a strength he possessed.”
Dan’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
CHARLIE LOCKENOUR
Heyworth High School
Charlie has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1984. In that time, he had served the IADA in a multiple of roles. He served on the executive board for 14 years, 4 years as the District 15 Rep, 5 years as the Division 5 Liaison, as President-Elect in 2013, President in 2014, the past President in 2015, as treasurer in 2016 and another term as Past President in 2017. He served the conference committee for 6 years as the Golf Co-Chair.
Charlies has been involved in education and athletics for the past 37 years. Starting in 1984, he began his career at Tonica High School as a Physical Education, Driver’s Education, and Health teacher while serving as basketball and cross-country coach. Then after a short hiatus from education, Charlie was hired at Heyworth High School in 1990. Charlie, once again, was teaching Physical Education, Driver’s Education and Health, and served as the junior high basketball coach and assistant high school football coach. In 1994, Charlie started the girls’ softball program and served as the head coach for 2 years. In 1996, Charlie was named the athletic director at Heyworth High School. While as the athletic director at Heyworth, Charlie continued to teach and coach. He continued as an assistant football coach until 1999 and as an assistant varsity boys’ basketball coach until 2008. Charlie received his CAA certification in 2010, was named the Division Class A Athletic Director of the Year in 2003 and was named the State Class A Athletic Director of the Year in 2007. The NIAAA awarded Charlie the State Award of Merit in 2015. Charlie has served as the IADA Liaison to the IHSA Board of Directors for 2 years. He also served as a member of the Athletic Administrators and Sportsmanship Advisory Committees. Additionally, he was honored in 2017 with the IHSA Distinguished Service Award.
Brad Bradshaw, former Heyworth Administrator and Coach, said, “Charlie was very respected not only in our school district but also in our community and by his colleagues. Simply put, he was an outstanding leader that modeled principles that promoted the highest standards of integrity. He always chose his thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.”
Current superintendent at Heyworth High School, Dr. Lisa Taylor, stated, “He actively promoted athletic participation and good sportsmanship to all HHS students and held them to high standards on and off the court. He demonstrated an unwavering work ethic and commitment to the greater good of the students and school district. Additionally, he took on a variety of leadership roles and always rose to the challenge.”
Charlie’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Charlie to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
JOHN OVERSTREET
Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School
John has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1999. In that time, he had served the IADA on the executive board as Secretary for 11 years from 2007 until his retirement in 2017.
Prior to his 18 years in athletic administration, John began as a US History and Government teacher at Paxton-Buckley-Loda Junior High from 1983 to 1994 and he coached junior high basketball and track. In 1994, John moved from PBL junior High to PBL High School where he continued to teach the in the Social Science department. He was the head cross country coach, the head boys track coach, and an assistant football coach. He would continue to in those roles as he transitioned into the athletic director at PBL High School in 1999. John would continue as an athletic administrator at PBL until his retirement in 2017. John was honored by the IADA by being named Outstanding Class A Athletic Director in 2004, and in 2011 John was named the Illinois Class 1A/2A Athletic of the Year. That same year John was a finalist NHSACA Athletic Director of the Year. In 1997 John became the executive secretary for his athletic conference, the Sangamon Valley Conference, a role he continues today in his retirement. John served the IHSA on the Legislative Commission from Division 5 from 2003 to 2012, additionally, he was on the IHSA Track Advisory Committee and Cross-Country Advisory Committee.
Travis Duley, current Principal at Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School said of Tim, “Under Mr. Overstreet’s watch, never did a game happen on the grounds of PBL High School where every detail was not thought out. From whom is taking tickets, to where the visiting team’s bus would park, to the officials having the specific drink they prefer waiting for them at the end of the game. This is a small list of the detailed oriented planning Mr. Overstreet took care of for each and every athletic contest at PBL High School.”
Current Athletic Director at Watseka High School, Barry Bauer, stated “I had the pleasure of working in the same conference with John for more than 10 years and always found John to be a tireless worker who was always one of the most organized and respected professionals in our area.”
John’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
KEVIN CRANDALL
Rochelle High School
Kevin has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1987. In that time, he had served the IADA on the conference committee as member of the vendor committee for 18 years and 9 years as the District 10 Rep.
Kevin has been involved in education and athletics for the past 36 years. Starting in 1985, he began his career in Centralia, where he taught physical education and Biology and was an assistant football coach. In 1985, Kevin was hired as an athletic director, head football coach, head track coach at Bethany High School. Kevin would continue in these roles until 1989, when Kevin be hired at Villa Grove High School to take on these exact same positions. In 1994, would become the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Rochelle High School, these positions he would hold until his retirement in 2018. In his retirement he continues to coach football as volunteer assistant at Sycamore High School. He would be named the Division 4 Athletic Director of the year in 2011 and again in 2018. In 2018, he would be named the 3A/4A State Athletic Director of the Year. has been inducted into the Tremont High School Hall of Fame 1998, the Millikin University Hall of Fame in 2017, the Rochelle High School Hall of Fame in 2018, and Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012. Kevin served the Illinois HS Football Coaches Association as the organization’s president for one year and currently serve as their Executive Director. has served the IHSA as a member of the Bowling Advisory Committee and the Athletic Directors Advisory Committee.
Greg King, Athletic Director at Sterling High School, said, “Kevin is a born leader and a no-nonsense type of person. Whatever conference he has been in, he has been in the forefront of the leadership. In all decisions, student-athletes have come first.””
Former football coaching colleague and current Superintendent at Oregon, IL, Dr. Thomas Mahoney, stated “Kevin was able to bring highly qualified coaches who created high expectations in both the classroom and in the sports they coached. In addition, Kevin’s influence has been crucial in the development of school leaders. He shared his vision, passion, and outstanding organization skills.”
Kevin’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led to his selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
2020
DEBORAH OFCKY
New Trier High School
Debbie has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 2002. In that time, she had served the IADA on the conference committee as a member of registration and program committees; she was the State Conference Co-Chair in 2008; she was a panelist at the summer retreat workshop, and she was a member of the IADA Executive Board for 9 years as the State Certification Chair. Debbie also served the NIAAA in a number of roles; member of the National Certification Committee for 9 years; member of the Professional Development Academy; and a certified CAA Test administrator.
Debbie has been involved in education and athletics for the past 33 years. Starting in 1987, she began her career at Sandburg Junior High School as a physical education teacher, where she coached girls basketball, volleyball and track & field. In 1989, Debbie became the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotions for Northeastern Illinois University. In 1993, Debbie left the collegiate setting to return to high school athletics as she was hired at Glenbrook North High School as a health and physical education teacher, she also was the head coach for both the boys and girls volleyball teams. Then after 9 years at Glenbrook North, Debbie transitioned into the role of Assistant Athletic Director at New Trier High School. In addition to her new role as Assistant Athletic Director, Debbie moved into a couple of new coaching roles as the Head Badminton Coach and the Assistant Girl Golf Coach, positions she would hold until her retirement in 2017. She would be named the State Badminton Coach of the Year by the Illinois Coaches Association in 2010. During her tenure at New Trier, Debbie was honored with the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award in 2015. Debbie has served the IHSA as a member of the Badminton Advisory Committee, the Volleyball Advisory Committee, the Badminton State Seeding Committee, and the Girls Golf State Rules Committee. Additionally, she served her athletic conference, the Central Suburban League, as the Sportsmanship Committee Chair.
Jim Bloch, former Athletic Director at New Trier High School, said, “Deborah Ofcky is, at her core, character based and morally compass driven. As long as I have known her, I have seen her grow, prosper, and impact those around her in such a positive way. She is a standard bearer when it comes to work ethic, involvement and giving to our profession and its related organizations.”
Current Athletic Director at Round Lake High School, Becky Moran, stated, “Her body of work spans academics and athletics, all at the highest level of professionalism. She epitomizes going the extra mile for others. Her dedication, vision, and ambition are rivaled by none.”
Deborah’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and her dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Deborah to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
TODD ROSENTHAL
Moline High School
Todd has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 2000. In that time, he had served the IADA on the conference committee as the Corporate Sponsor Chair. Todd served on the IADA Hall of Fame selection committee for 5 years.
Dave Gannaway, former IHSA Assistant Executive Director, said, “Todd is not only a great administrator but he became a very good friend, leader, and mentor to many people across the state of Illinois. Todd is very well respected by the athletes, coaches, administrators and parents at Moline High School. His fellow administrators in the Western Big Six Conference always looked to Todd for guidance and direction on critical issues that they faced.”
Former Principal at Moline High School, Gary Koeller, stated “Moline High School and the Moline community have always valued and supported its 20 sports programs. As Athletic Director, Todd Rosenthal continued and enhanced this tradition through his school and community work. Todd truly loved his work and in many ways retiring as a very successful athletic director was the right capstone to his athletic, teaching and coaching career,”
Todd’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led to his selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
TIM ALBERS
Libertyville High School
Tim has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1989. In that time, he had served the IADA on the conference committee as the Assistant Program chair and Program Co-Chair, he also served the IADA as presenter at the New AD Workshop at the Summer Retreat.
Prior to his 18 years in athletic administration, Tim began his life in high school athletics coaching wrestling and a few years later football. He would continue to become a head wrestling coach until he transitioned into his first role as athletic administrator at Waukegan East High School in 1989. Tim would continue as an athletic administrator until his retirement in 2007. After one year as an interim athletic director at Waukegan East High School, he moved on to serve for 4 years as the athletic administrator at Niles North High School until 1994. In the fall of 1994, Tim became the Athletic Director at Libertyville High School where he would finish his career in education with 13 years as an athletic administrator. Tim was honored by the IADA by being named Outstanding Athletic Director in 1999, and in the same year he was honor by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association as their Administrator of the Year. Tim was inducted into Lake County High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, also he was the recipient of the Mike Rose Award in 2010 given by the Northern Illinois Officials Association.
Alan Janulis, retired Principal at Libertyville High School said of Tim, “While his professional accomplishment are impressive and numerous, certain person qualities help set him apart from others. Vision, problem solving, attention to detail, along with leadership and communication are all characteristics that define him.”
Retired Superintendent at Libertyville High School, Dr. David Clough, stated “Even though Tim worked hard to provide outstanding facilities throughout the district, and , even though LHS teams experienced great success under his leadership, the real magic that Tim provided was his endless dedication to and belief in the kids and coaches in 128. Tim understands that winning is only the by-product of an athletic program that is built upon the premise of providing for the growth and development of every student athlete as well as those who coach them.”
Tim’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
2019
Neuqua Valley High School
Inducted 2019
Barb has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 30 years, beginning in 1987. In that time frame, Barb had served the IADA as the District 9 Rep for 5 years and served on the Member Services and as a mentor for new ADs.
Previous to her 30 years in athletic administration, Barb served as Physical Education teacher for 13 years, Head Softball Coach for 8 seasons and Head Soccer Coach for 4 seasons at Waubonsie Valley High School. In 1986, she added Assistant Athletic Director to her title at Waubonsie Valley. Barb was honored by being inducted to the Waubonsie Valley High School Hall of Fame in 1997. She held the position of assistant athletic director for 10 years before Indian Prairie School District opened a new high school. Barb was named the Athletic Director of Neuqua Valley High School, she remained in that position for 20 years until her retirement in 2017. Before her retirement at Neuqua Valley, Barb was given a couple of great honors. First, in 2016 the Indian Prairie School District #204 honored her by naming the football stadium at Neuqua Valley High School the “Barb Barrows Stadium”, and secondly in 2017 she was honored by being inducted into another hall of fame, this time the Neuqua Valley High School Hall of Fame. Barb was nominated the IADA Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2016. She served the IHSA on the Gymnastics Advisory Committee, Badminton Advisory Committee, Sportsmanship Committee and the All Academic Selection Committee. Barb was also honored by her high school alma mater when the Plainfield Community School District presented her with the Educational Excellence Award in 2017, which is presented annually to an alumni. Additionally, in 2010, the Naperville Sun named Barb a Top Leader in the Community.
Robert McBride, Principal at Neuqua Valley High School, said, “Barb Barrows is a Hall of Fame athletic director. When Neuqua Valley opened in 1997, Barb was at the helm of our athletics program, and she remained in that role for 20 years. The secret of her longevity is also one of her most admirable qualities as a mentor. Much like her corps of coaches, she built an athletic department with a depth chart. She invested as much time in training, coaching, and mentoring her assistant athletic directors as she did in cultivating her own leadership”
Current Assistant Athletic Director at Neuqua Valley High School, Laura McCarthy, states that, “Barb built her staff as if building a team. She looked for qualities like Integrity, Character, Patience, Pride, and Unselfishness. All qualities she demonstrated regularly. She looked for people who understand the values and opportunities gained through sport. People who understood that High School Athletics were an extension of the classroom and the lesson learned are lifelong and invaluable. Barb shows incredible pride in being a part of the Wildcat community. She has led by example in showing us what it means to be a good teammate.”
Barb’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and her dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Barb to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Mascoutah High School and Woodland High School
Inducted 2019
Henry has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1993. In that time, he had served the IADA on the conference committee as an Assistant Vendor Chair, Assistant Golf Chair, Co-Chair of the State Conference, and currently he still serves the conference committee as the Corporate Sponsor Chair. Henry served on the executive board as the IADA President in 2006-07, Business Manager, and Division Liaison. AT the national level, Henry served on the NIAAA Credentials Committee. He is still serving the IADA as a member of the state LTI teaching faculty.
Prior to his work in athletic administration, Henry served as a Physical Education teacher and head football coach at Franklin Center High School from 1978-1979, then moved on Gillespie High School where he served as Physical Education teacher, and assistant football, basketball, and baseball coach from 1979-1986. He then became Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, Head Baseball Coach and Junior High Basketball coach Woodland High School from 1986-1997. Henry was then named the Athletic Administrator of Mascoutah High School in 1997, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. During his time at Mascoutah, Henry was named the IADA Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2011. After his retirement, Henry continued to work in athletic administration, as the athletic administrator at Father McGivney Catholic High School for the 2012-2016. He served the IHSA as an IADA Liaison to the Board of Directors; the Sportsmanship Advisory Committee, where served as a sportsmanship judge at volleyball, football, boys and girls basketball State Finals; served on the 2008 IHSA Strategic Planning Committee; and he was an advisor to the inaugural IHSA Student Leadership Conference. Henry was honored by the NFHS by receiving the Citation Award in 2011 and by NIAAA by being nominated for the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award. He has had articles published in IADA Journal and IAA. To this day, Henry continues his passion of high school athletics by serving on the Illinois Coaches Association board and as the Region IV Director of the National High School Coaches Association.
Lawrence Sebby, retired Superintendent of Woodland High School, said, “I can think of no one more dedicated and deserving of this honor. During the nearly 20 years that I worked in radio and went to many different schools, few athletic directors were as cooperative and efficient as Henry Johnson. I value his friendship and am much indebted to him for the extra effort he took to be sure that Woodland students gained life-long skills and habits.”
Former Principal at Mascoutah High School, Mike Scholz, stated, “Not only is Henry one of the most deserving of this honor, but he is simply one of the hardest working, compassionate, ethical, and genuine people that I know. Being an athletic director was a passion for Henry and he was extremely gifted.”
Henry’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Henry to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Randy Oberembt – New Trier High School
Inducted 2019
Randy has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 2007. In that time, he had served the IADA on the conference committee as a member of Vendor committee, presenter at the conference, and as Registration Chair.
Randy has been involved in education and athletics for the past 40 years. Starting in 1976, he began his career at Tiskilwa High School as a Social Studies teacher and Head Football Coach, , then after 2 years in the classroom, Randy transitioned into the role of Assistant Principal. In 1982, Randy joined Johnsburg High School. At Johnsburg, Randy was Head Football Coach and the Dean of Students, he would later become Assistant Principal and in his final year at Johnsburg, he added the position of Head Track Coach. In 1985 Randy was afforded the opportunity to return to his collegiate alma mater, Knox College, where he joined the Department of Sports Studies as a teacher and served as the Head Football Coach and Head Track & Field Coach. In 2002, Knox College inducted Randy in their Hall of Fame. It was 1996 that Randy transitioned into athletic administration, when he became the Director of Athletics at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School in St. Louis until 2007. During his tenure in St. Louis, Randy was named the St. Louis District Athletic Director of the year by the MIAAA in 2003. In 2007, Randy returned to Illinois as the Director of Athletics at New Trier High School in Winnetka, a position he held until his retirement in 2016. In his final year at New Trier, Randy was named the Class 3A/4A IADA Athletic Director of the Year. Randy has served the IHSA as a member of Swim and Dive Advisory Committee and the IHSA honored him in 2015 with the IHSA Distinguished Service Award.
Tim Burkhalter, current Athletic Director at Lake Forest High School, said, “As evidence of an amazing career, the one constant in all of Randy Oberembt’s endeavors has been his commitment to excellence. He is a man of extremely high character, purpose, and professionalism. Randy has served his teams, his schools, and his communities in a manner that has made all of them extremely proud of him and the added value he has contributed along the way”
Current Athletic Director at Evanston High School, Chris Livatino, stated, “I honestly cannot think of a finer athletic director than Randy Oberembt, If you were going to chart all the of the skills, talents, and traits that make up the perfect AD, that list would include: organized, fair, collaborative, honest, firm, helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, wise, caring intelligent and leader. Randy Oberembt is at the top of the list for each and every one of those character traits.”
Randy’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Randy to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Drew Potthoff – McHenry High School, South Beloit High School, Marian Catholic High School
Inducted 2019
Drew has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1996. In that time, he had served the IADA on the conference committee as an Assistant Vendor Chair, the Vendor Chair, and the Program Chair. Drew served on the executive board as the IADA President in 2008-09 and again 2010-11, Mentor Chair and Co-Chair of the State Conference. He is still serving the IADA as a member of the state LTI teaching faculty and he has also been a presenter at the NIAAA Conference.
Prior to his retirement, Drew was involved in high school athletics as teacher, coach, athletic director and school administrator for 40 years. Prior to his work in athletic administration, Drew served as a Physical Education teacher and head football coach at Effingham High School from 1978-1990 and continued in those roles at Sycamore High School from 1990-1996. He then became Junior High Principal, High School Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Drug and Alcohol Prevention coordinator at South Beloit High School from 1996-2003. Drew was also the Sobo’s Head football coach during that time, and led them to an IHSA State championship in 2002. Drew was then named the Athletic Administrator of McHenry High School in 2003, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. During his time at McHenry, Drew was named the IADA Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2008. After his retirement, Drew continued to work in athletic administration, as the athletic administrator at Faith Lutheran High School for the 2012-2013 school year and then at Marian Catholic High School from 2013-2016. He served the IHSA on the Legislative Commission, an IADA Liaison to the Board of Directors, coordinator of the Sportsmanship Committee at the Football and Wrestling State Finals, and served on the NIU planning committee to host the IHSA football state finals. He continues to serve the IHSA on the Sportsmanship Committee. Drew was honored by the IHSA in 2014, as the recipient if the IHSA Distinguished Service Award. He has had articles published in NFHS High School Today, Coach and the Athletic Director, and NFHS News. To this day, Drew continues his passion of high school athletics by serving the Illinois Coaches Association as its executive director.
John Van Fleet, retired Athletic Administrator at Woodstock High School, said, “When it comes to promoting the advancement of athletics in Illinois, this is a no brainer. Drew Potthoff has been actively involved with promoting athletics longer than anyone individual that I know. He is an extremely strong leader”
Former Principal at Marian Catholic High School, Barbara Villont, stated, “Drew’s leadership and collaborative nature provided support and guided positive change in our school’s athletic program. Drew’s attention to detail and dedication to students guided administration in hiring quality coaches and guiding those coaches with expectation of excellence for competition, character development and scholarship are some of the qualities that make him a great leader.”
Drew’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Drew to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Alan Warnecke – Breese Central High School
Inducted 2019
Allen Warnecke had been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association during his tenure at Central High School starting in 1990. In that time frame, Allen had served as president of the Cahokia Conference from 1994 to 2014. Allen was responsible for creating the master conference schedule for all major sports. He took great pride in hiring the best officials for all sports contests. He even successfully convinced all the conference schools to not consider hiring a conference assignor.
Prior to his 24 years in athletic administration, Allen was valedictorian of the first graduating class of the newly formed Central High School. In addition to being the valedictorian of his class, he was also considered a star basketball and baseball player. Allen then graduated from Kaskaskia Community College and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with his teaching degree. Allen returned to Central High School in January 1976 as a substitute teacher in the Business Department and in August 1976, he moved to the Math Department. Allen was also hired as the Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach for the 1977 spring season. In 1980, Allen became the Head Baseball Coach at Central High School, a position he held until 1990 when he resigned to become Central’s Athletic Director. Allen would later return to coaching the JV Softball team at Central until his daughters graduated. Allen retired from teaching in 2012, but continued in his role as Athletic Director until his passing in April 2014. During his time as Athletic Director, Central High School would have 15 combined trips to the IHSA State Finals in the sports of Volleyball and Boys and Girls Basketball.
Joe Ioria, current Athletic Director at Columbia High School said, “Allen was never a dictator within our conference, but a true colleague and friend to the consistent changing of Athletic Directors that occurs everywhere. Allen always took responsibility for being an example for all of us to follow. When Allen spoke out, it was always in favor of what was best for the entire conference and not just for Central.”
Current Athletic Director at Red Bud High School, Kevin Cartee, stated “It was not until I became an Athletic Director in the Cahokia Conference, did I realize the impact Allen had on everyone around him, including me. His work ethic, knowledge of athletics and his ability to work together for the betterment of the group made for a stabilizing force with our conference membership.
Joe Alstat, the current Athletic Director at Greenville High School wrote this, “In my time here, as Athletic Director, no one influenced and mentored me more than Allen. He always took time to meet with me, take my phone calls, or give a detailed response to my e-mail. I am thankful for the lessons he taught me. I try every day to model my work after what he did at Central.”
Allen’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led him to this selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
2018
Reavis and Lincoln-Way East High Schools
Inducted 2018
Dave Brost has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 19 years, beginning in 1993. In that time frame, Dave had served the IADA as the District #9 Rep for six years and has been a presenter at the state conference on two occasions.
Previous to his 19 years in athletic administration, Dave served as a junior high Physical Education teacher and wrestling coach in Orland Park, an assistant wrestling coach at Carl Sandburg, Andrew, and Stagg
High Schools. He also served as Drivers Education teacher, assistant football coach, head wrestling coach and Assistant Principal at Crete-Monee High School. In 1993, he became the Athletic Director at Reavis High School for 6 years, before moving to Lincoln-Way East High School in 1999, which is a position he held for 13 years until his retirement in 2012. He served on numerous IHSA committees, including the Wrestling, Water Polo, and Gymnastics advisory committees. From 2009-2012, Dave and Lincoln Way East High School hosted the IHSA boys’ gymnastics state finals. Dave has also served the IHSA as a wrestling official for 30 years, where he was afforded the opportunity work the individual state finals and the team dual state finals. The Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association named Dave as their “Official of the Year” in 2001 and he was inducted in the IWCOA Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2010, Dave published a book We Can Do This.
Larry Bernard, retired Athletic Director at Bolingbrook, said, “I find it remarkable that his contribution to young people has come in a variety of ways, high school football and wrestling coach, high school assistant principal, IHSA wrestling official, an author, athletic director and even the president of his community high school booster club.”
Current Superintendent at Reavis High School District 220, Daniel Riordan, states that, “He was always there for students and advocated for their opportunities at every corner. There was nobody better! Mr. Brost is also a proud graduate from Reavis High School and continues to support the students and community of Burbank by now serving on the Reavis High School Educational Foundation. He gives abundantly of his time and treasure.”
Dave’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Dave to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Normal West Community, Highland Park
Inducted 2018
From Normal Community West High School and Highland Park High School, Bobbie Monroe has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 11 years, beginning in 2001. In that time frame, Bobbie had served the IADA as the Division 5 Rep and served on the executive board as Mentor Chair and Co-Chair of the State Conference.
Previous to her 11 years in athletic administration, Bobbie served as Physical Education teacher at Chiddix Junior High, Normal Community High School and Normal West High School. She then became Department Head for Physical Education in Unit 5 Schools in 1994. She also coached softball at Normal Community High School, and her coaching career culminated with winning the 2001 Class AA Softball State Championship. Bobbie was then named the first female Athletic Director of Normal West High School in 2001. She held this position for 5 years before moving to Highland Park High School to serve as their Athletic Director in 2006, until her retirement in 2012. Bobbie was named the IADA Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2012. She served the IHSA on the bench crew at the Volleyball State Finals for three years and on the committee for State Softball Hitting Derby for three years.
Dr. Thomas Koulentes, Principal at Libertyville High School, said, “I have seen many school leaders attempt to impose their will and accomplish tasks through the use of positional authority and institutional power. Bobbie is a Hall of Fame Athletic Director because her leadership is the direct opposite of this approach; it is based upon a foundation of humility, service and an unwavering commitment to moral and ethical integrity.”
Retired Principal at Normal Community West High School, Thomas Eder, states that, “Bobbie was visionary in her advocacy of girls’ sports programs and women coaches. She was highly respected by every coach in every sport, but her passion for finding outstanding women to spearhead the girls’ programs was notable. I would regard her as a pioneer in the area.”
Bobbie’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and her dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Bobbie to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Robert Swanson
Rock Island High School
Inducted 2018
Bob Swanson has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 16 years, beginning in 1998. In that time frame, Bob had served the IADA as the member of the IADA conference committee for 8 years as Corporate Sponsor Chair, he also has been a mini session facilitator and presenter.
Prior to his 16 years in athletic administration, Bob was a teacher and debate coach at Maine East High School, leading them to a state title in 1972. Bob left the educational field but returned in 1998 when he became the Athletic Director at Rock Island High School, which is a position he held until his retirement in 2014. Bob contributions to the community of Rock Island have been remarkable. Bob has served on the Rock Island-Milan Board of Directors for Youth Football, Youth Basketball, and Booster Club. Additionally, Bob has held leadership positions in the Rock Island Rotary Club, which he was awarded the A.T. Peara Award for Rotarian of the Year in 2014, and the Distinguished Service Award in 2012. Bob was also president of Rock Island Exchange Club, and for 24 year he was chairman for the Rock Island Tailgate Fundraiser.
Thom Sigel, former boys’ basketball coach at Rock Island High School, said, “His loyalty to our school is almost unmatched. His love for the Rocks was evident during our time working together. He seemed to be at every event during every season.”
Retired Football coach from Rock Island High School, Vic Boblett, states that “The single trait, which distinguishes the great educator from the good one, is “caring.” Bob truly cares and enjoyed working with young people and coaches. Our young people and coaches were willing to take direction from Bob because they knew he had their best interest at heart.”
Bob’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Bob to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
John Szabo
Bloomington High School
Inducted 2018
John Szabo has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 22 years, beginning in 1993. In that time frame, John had served the IADA in numerous positions. For 13 years, John had been a part of organizing and facilitating the IADA Summer Retreat, and he also served the State Conference Prize Committee. John had served on the executive board as an At-large Division Liaison, the Division 5 Liaison, the NIAAA Liaison for 8 years, and John is an IADA past president.
In his 22 years in athletic administration, John has served his school, his community, his conference, the IADA, the IHSA, and the NIAAA. In addition to being the athletic administrator at Bloomington High School, John has been the Cross Country and Track & Field coach since the 1982-83 school year. In Bloomington, John was awarded the John Stevens Memorial Award from the Bloomington Rotary Club, an organization he has served for 25 years. Also, the State Farm Bloomington Normal Sports Commission named John their Male Coach of the Year in 2015, and Bloomington School District 87 inducted John into their Hall of Fame in 2015. The Illinois Track & Cross Country Coaches Association named John as their South Coach of the Year in 1993, 1994, and 1996, and he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2005. Also, the NFHS named John as the Illinois Track & field Coach of the Year in 2006. John was named the IADA Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2010, he was awarded the NIAAA Award of Merit in 2009, and the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award for Illinois in 2008. He served the IHSA by serving on Athletic Administrators Advisory Committee and the Cross Country / Track Advisory Committee. John also was part of the IHSA State Track Meet Jury of Appeals and Awards Marshall for 17 years.
Stan Lewis, Athletic Director at Normal Community West High School, said, “He supported each coach and created an environment where they could do their best work for the student-athletes. John was and still is a servant leader. No job too big or small for him to do when it came to supporting the athletes and coaches at Bloomington High School.”
Retired Superintendent for Bloomington School District 87, Robert Nielsen, states that, “His leadership enabled Bloomington High School to earn a reputation for fierce competition at all levels tempered with sportsmanship and integrity. Mr. Szabo earned the trust and commitment of the Bloomington Public School District 87 community. He conducted himself with class and dignity in all situations and with all audiences.”
John’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led John to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Christopher “Skip” Tarran
Reed-Custer High School
Inducted 2018
Skip Tarran has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 23 years, beginning in 1995. In that time frame, Skip has served the IADA in numerous positions. Skip has been the District 9 Rep, he served on the Strategic Plan Committee, and for the past 7 years Skip has served on the Conference committee by coordinating the Retired AD 50/50 Raffle. Skip has been a member of the IADA Executive Board as the Division 3 Liaison for 7 years and also as the Mentor Chair and Retired AD Liaison.
Prior to his 16 years in athletic administration, Skip served as a Science teacher, an alternate education teacher, and Skip coached high school and middle school wrestling, track and football. In 1995, Skip was named the athletic administrator at Reed Custer High School. Skip has served his school, his community, his conference, the IADA, the IHSA in numerous ways. For the past 16 years, Skip has served on the Executive board for the Illinois Coaches Association. Skip was named the Outstanding Athletic Director for Division 3 in 2002. Additionally in 2002, he was named the Class A AD of the year by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. He served the IHSA by serving on the Athletic Administrators Advisory Committee for seven years and various ad-hoc committees.
Steve Haines, Athletic Director at Seneca High School, said, “During his years at Reed-Custer High School, Skip has been a class act who was able balance his beliefs and opinions with what was in the best interest of his school, our organization, and his conference. Skip has shown that he has the passion, the knowledge, and the work ethic to always get the job done.”
Current Principal of Reed-Custer High School, Tim Ricketts, states that, “Skip brought our athletics programs to a whole new level. He developed our code of conduct to include drug testing, recognized and promoted coaches and athletes for their accomplishment, and worked closely with our athletic boosters to provide the best for our programs.”
Skip’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Skip to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
2017
Marilyn Bradley
Glenbrook North High School
Inducted 2017
Marilyn Bradley had been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 22 years. In that time frame, Marilyn had served the IADA in number of capacities, including IADA State Conference Registration Chair, IADA State Conference Program chair, and served as IADA president in 1997-98.Previous to her 22 years in athletic administration at Glenbrook North High School, Marilyn taught and coached tennis, girls’ basketball, softball and volleyball at Glenbrook North. From 1979, she became the Assistant Athletic Director which is a position she held for 22 years prior to her retirement in 2001, she served on numerous IHSA committees, but her most important role was as an advocate for girls’ sports being added to high schools around the state. As a results she became a mentor and leader for so many teachers, coaches, and other athletic administrators at Glenbrook North and beyond.
Jim Bloch, retired Athletic Director, remembers working with Marilyn and said “Teaming with her was one of the most fortunate happenings of my life – on a daily basis I watched her make a positive difference in the lives of students, families, the community, our league and IADA”
Current Athletic Director at Glenbrook North, Bob Piper, states that “Marilyn has been an “unofficial” mentor to hundreds of athletic directors in Illinois, and someone who was constantly called upon for guidance by her peers across the state, Marilyn is very deserving of this award”
Marilyn’s extensive contributions to high school athletics and her dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Marilyn to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Jimmy Daniels
Rich Central High School, Rich East High School
Inducted 2017
Jimmy Daniels has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for the past 23 years, beginning in 1994. Throughout those 23 years, Jimmy has served the IADA in a number of capacities, including 4 years as an IADA Mentor and serving 6 years as Membership Chair on the Executive Board.
Previous to his years in athletic administration, Jimmy taught physical education and coached Cross Country, and Track and Field at Thornton High School. From 1994-2007, he was the Athletic Administrator for Rich Central High School, and from 2007-2009, Athletic Administrator for Rich East High School. He served his school’s athletic conference in a number of leadership positions, and is currently, and has been for over 15 years, an IHSA track & field official.
In 2008 Jimmy was named “Honorary Tournament Manager” for a lifetime of contributions to Rich South’s Big Dipper Tournament and Southland Athletics as a Coach, Athletic Director, and Friend.” In 2009, the Rich Central High School “Olympian XC Invitational” was renamed the “Jimmy Daniels XC Invitational”. In 2013, Jimmy was inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Thornton Township High School Hall of Fame in 2014.
Since retirement in 2009, Jimmy has stayed active and involved in a number of areas such as serving as an Interim Athletic Director, Interim Technology Director, volunteer junior high track and field coach (under his daughter as head coach), serving as a volunteer Education Foundation Board Member, serving on different ministries within his Church, and continuing his service as a Lead Evaluator for AdvancED School System Accreditation.
Michael Laneve, fellow Rich East administrator, remembers Jimmy and said, “Jimmy brought many improvements to all three school’s athletic and activity programs. He introduced technology in inventory control, scheduling, and budgeting. He served on a wide variety of committees at the state level, improving athletics for all schools across the state”.
Jimmy’s extensive knowledge of high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Jimmy to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Rich Piatchek
Andrew High School
Inducted 2017
Rich Piatchek retired in 2014 from the position of Athletic Director at Andrew High School where he had been for seventeen years of his thirty-nine years of secondary education experience. Rich was the athletic director at Hillcrest High School prior to Andrew for three years. Rich had taught physics, math, and computer science over the span of four high schools all with widely different socioeconomic backgrounds that has provided him with a much broader picture of the entire state of Illinois. In his teaching tenure he has coached baseball, football, basketball and track and was the recipient of the Illinois Baseball Coaches Association “Man of the Year” in 1991.
As an athletic director, Rich was very active and hosted over 450 invitationals and IHSA State series events. He still serves the Illinois High School Association as a state final bench official in football (25 years) and baseball (37 years) and is the IHSA Happening coordinator in boys’ basketball (26 years). Rich was awarded the Illinois High School Association’s Distinguished Service Award in the inaugural year in 2007. In 2014 he was awarded the IADA Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the year award.
He had been very active in leadership roles in his conference and at the state athletic director level. In his conference he served as the secretary, president-elect and president and currently is responsible for all of the conference schedules and maintains the web page for the conference as well as the historian for the conference.
Larry Bernard, retired Athletic Director at Bolingbrook and IADA Hall of Fame Member, remembers Rich, and said “I witnessed the coaches and athletes at Andrew High School demonstrate the same professional, hard-working, sportsmanship and goal-orientated qualities as exhibited by Rich on a daily basis. The Andrew High School athletic community consistently excelled as per the leadership and participation of this individual.”
At the state level, Rich was a division liaison, state conference chairman, president-elect, president, website coordinator and is currently the retired AD liaison for the Illinois Athletic Directors’ Association as well as annually organizing the state hospitality suite at the NIAAA national conference. He has been on the faculty for the state’s Leadership Training Classes, presented at the state conference, and was initially involved in the reorganization and implementation of the IADA web site that the organization uses.
Rich’s extensive knowledge of high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Rich to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
2016
Marty Bee
Naperville North High School, Naperville Central High School
Inducted 2016
Marty Bee has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for the past 22 years, beginning in 1994. Throughout those 22 years, Marty has served the IADA in number of capacities, including 8 years on the IADA Hall of Fame Committee and serving on the Executive Board as the Hall of Fame Chair for 2 years. Marty served on the NIAAA Awards Committee for 2 years. He has also presented at the IADA state Conference as well as the NIAAA National Conference.
Previous to his years in athletic administration, Marty taught and coached cross country and track at Naperville North. In 1993, Marty was the Head Coach of the State Champion Girls Cross Country team and was named by the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association as their coach of the year. From 1994-1996, he was the Assistant Athletic Administrator for Naperville North High School, from 1996 to 2012 he was the Athletic Administrator for Naperville Central High School. He has served the IHSA in a number of capacities; Athletes’ with Disabilities Committee, Legislative Commission, Cross Country Advisory Committee, Academic All-State Selection Committee, and Girls Soccer State Tournament Manager and Host.
Barry Baldwin, Naperville Central Golf Coach, remembers the support Marty offered to his staff, and said “Marty went above the job description of athletic director. It was never about wins and losses but more about the kids and coaches and putting them in a position to reach their full potential that motivated Marty”.
Marty’s extensive knowledge of high school athletics and his dedication the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Marty to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Susan Bonner
Hillcrest High School, Oak Forest High School
Inducted 2016
Susan Bonner has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for the past 12 years. In that time frame, Susan earned her CAA and for 6 years served on the IADA Executive Board as the Public Relations Director. Previous to her 26 years in athletic administration at Oak Forest High School, Susan taught and was the head coach in girls’ basketball, track and field, cross country and volleyball at Hillcrest H.S. From 1986-2003, she became the Assistant Athletic Director and girls’ head basketball coach for Oak Forest High School. While Asst. A.D., she was involved in three IHSA committees: Basketball Sportsmanship, Basketball Advisory and Badminton Advisory. From 2003 to 2012, she served as the Athletic Director. During this time, she was one of the pioneers in establishing the South Suburban Conference and the SSC Handbook. A SSC all-sport trophy was established and Oak Forest won the President’s Cup three years, 2008-2010, during Sue’s tenure. Also, she saw her softball team win a state title in 2009, baseball place 2nd in 2012 and cheerleading earn two 3rd and a 2nd place state trophy. In 2012, Susan was inducted into the IBCA Basketball Hall of Fame Lisa Wunar, Hillcrest Athletic Director, remembers the work of Susan and said “Susan set the bar for organization, expectations and sportsmanship. When one competed against Oak Forest, one could count on a positive experience. Susan coordinated every event with precision and hospitality. Guests were treated like family. “Susan’s extensive knowledge of high school athletics and her dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Susan to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Gerald Brockhouse
Meredosia High School, Hales Franciscan High School, St. Ignatius High School
Inducted 2016
Gerald “Brock” Brockhouse has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for the past 28 years, beginning in 1978. Throughout those 28 years, Brock has served IADA in number of capacities, including 8 years serving as the District 4 Representative, and also serving on the Executive Board as the Division Liaison. Brock served as the President of the Chicago Catholic League Board of Control for 9 years.Brock’s career in education began in 1964 at Meredosia High School and previous to his years in athletic administration, Brock taught and coached cross country and football at Hales Franciscan High School from 1966-1986. From 1978-1986, he was the Athletic Administrator for Hales Franciscan High School, from 1986-1997, he was the Athletic Administrator for St. Ignatius. From 2005-2009, Brock worked part-time at Fenwick High School in various positions assisting Mike Curtin, the athletic director. Brock was also a certified athletic trainer from 1975-2001. He has served the IHSA in a number of capacities, including serving 2 terms on the Athletic Administrators Advisory Committee.
Darlene Graf, retired Athletic Director at Queen of Peace High School, says this “Brock has been a role model for his colleagues, and most importantly, the athletes in his programs. He has gone above and beyond to advance high school sports in Illinois.”
Brock’s extensive knowledge of high school athletics and his dedication to the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Gerald “Brock” Brockhouse to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
John Martin
Adlai e. Stevenson High School
Inducted 2016
John Martin has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for the past 26 years, beginning in 1988. Throughout those 26 years, John has served the IADA in number of capacities, including IADA State Conference Chair – twice, IADA State Conference Program chair, IADA State Conference Registration CO-Chair, and IADA/IHSA New AD’s Workshop Presenter. Previous to his years in athletic administration, John taught English and coached Football and Basketball at Hoffman Estates High School. From 1988-1990, he was the Athletic Administrator for Hoffman Estates High School, from 1990 to 2010 he was the Athletic Administrator for Adlai E. Stevenson High School. In 1996 and 2010, John was named the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year; and in 2009, he was inducted into the Lake County High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He has served the IHSA in a number of capacities: Equity Advisory Committee, Athletic Administrators Advisory Committee, Cheerleading Advisory Committee, Water Polo Advisory Committee, and the Water Polo State Tournament Manager and Host.
Eric Twadell, Superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson District 125, remembers John, and said “John was a strong voice in support of high expectation for all of our students and did not expect anything less for our student-athletes. We were blessed to have an Athletic Director who saw themselves first and foremost as a teacher.” Briant Kelly, Athletic Director at Libertyville High School, said about John, “His advice and guidance was appreciated and has not been forgotten by me. When I think about Athletic Directors that others should aspire to be like…John Martin is one of them.”
John’s extensive knowledge of high school athletics and his dedication the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led John to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
2015
Tim Feigh
Hinsdale, South, York, Morton
Inducted 2015
Tim Feigh 2015
Tim Feigh has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for the past 27 years, beginning in 1988. Throughout those 27 years, Tim has held a vast amount of leadership positions within the IADA including registration committee member, state conference program chairperson, division 3 and district 7 representative, state conference assistant chairperson, state conference chairperson, hall of fame committee member, treasurer, and he served as President in 2004-2005. Tim has also contributed his vast knowledge of athletic administration by presenting educational materials at numerous conferences, and he has had articles published in magazines and publication on dealing with the “Difficult Parent”.
Previous to his years in athletic administration, Tim taught physical education while coaching football, basketball, track, and swimming at various high schools. In 1990, Tim became a licensed football official and has since officiated three state football championship games. From 1988-1990, he was the Athletic Administrator for (Berwyn Cicero) Morton High School, from 1990 to 1994 he was the Athletic Administrator for York High School, and from 1994 to 2012, he was the Athletic Administrator for Hinsdale South High School. In 2004,
Tim received the honor of Illinois Athletic Directors Association Class AA Athletic Administrator of the Year. In 2006, Tim was named the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Class AA Athletic Director of the Year award, as well as the NIAAA State Award of Merit and the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award. Mike Morris, retired Athletic Director, remembers the support Tim offered to his peers, and said “His work ethic, his dedication to fair play, equity, and his willingness to assist his colleagues has defined him as a ‘true professional’”.
Tim’s extensive knowledge of high school athletics and his dedication the IADA are a few of the many reasons that led Tim to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Terry Niedzweiecki
Kirkland Hiawatha, Stillman Valley, Machesney Park
Inducted 2015
Terry Niedzweiecki 2015
According to Jerry Fisher, the former principal of Machesney Park Harlem High School, “Terry’s professional approach when working with the coaches, students, athletes, parents, and administration led to continued development and athletic success”. Terry Niedzwiecki began his career in Illinois athletics by first coaching football, basketball, baseball, and golf at various high schools, ending his coaching career with three conference championships, and one regional championship. He became the Athletic Director for Kirkland Hiawatha High School in 1987, and stayed with them for five years. He then was the Athletic Director for Stillman Valley for 2 years, Machesney Park Harlem for 9 years, Rockford Auburn for 5 years, and Rockford Jefferson for 1 year. As an administrator at Machesney Park Harlem High School, Terry implemented the “Harlem has Sportsmanship” program in 1997. The success of this program led him to receive an IHSA award for the school, and a national award from Athletic Management Magazine.
Terry has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for the past 28 years. Throughout those 28 years, he has held many leadership positions, including IADA District 10 Representative for three years, IADA State Conference Exhibit Chairman for four years, and was the IADA President for 2002-2003. In 2002, Terry was the Chairman of a 3-year IADA strategic plan that resulted in many changes in the IADA.
In 1999, Terry received the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director award. In 2004, he was honored with the NIAAA State Award of Merit. In 2003, Terry received his 25 years of service award from the NIAAA. Terry’s years of leadership and contributions to Harlem High School, the IADA, and the NIAAA led him to this selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Doug Smith
Naperville North, Woodstock, Monmouth
Inducted 2015
Doug Smith 2015
Doug Smith has been a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for the past 31 years. Beginning in 1984, Doug was the Athletic Director at Monmouth High School for 5 years, at Woodstock High School for 14 years, and at Naperville North for 8 years. Doug also spent some time coaching previous to his Athletic Director positions. He was the head freshman football coach at East Peoria as well as the head freshman and sophomore baseball coach for five years, beginning in 1979.
During Doug’s 29 years as an Athletic Director, he started athletic hall of fames at 3 different high schools to recognize athletic achievement and create community pride. Retired Athletic Director, Washington Bush, stated that “Doug is a dedicated professional who devotes countless hours and energy into bettering the opportunities for student-athletes across the state of Illinois”.
Doug served the IADA in a number of different roles. He was the Membership Chairman from 1987-1991. He served as President of the IADA from 1992-1993. Doug was honored with the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year award for 1993-1994. He was the Director of the IADA Mentoring Program from 2001-2002. Doug was a Co-Creator of the Illinois Athletic Director’s Association Hall of Fame. Throughout his 31 years as an IADA member, Doug completed 27 LTI classes and taught 25 LTI classes.
Doug has also been a member of the NIAAA since 1984. Since then, he has served as the NIAAA Liaison for Illinois from 1988-1991, served as an NIAAA Credentials Committee Member from 1995-1998, and served as Chairman of the NIAAA Credentials Committee from 1999-2002. Doug is on the National LTI faculty and is co-chair of LTI 608 since 2009. Doug was an NIAAA Board Member from 2006-2008, and has been a speaker at 4 NIAAA conventions. In 2013, Doug was honored with the Section IV NIAAA Frank Kovaleski Award.
One of Doug’s most impactful contributions to Illinois athletics includes the founding of the Hoops for Healing cancer program and tournament in 2001. This tournament was designed to aid and assist cancer victims and families, and has raised over 250,000 dollars for cancer research since its start. Funds raised from this program go to totally funding Camp Hope, a summer camp for children of cancer patients.
Tom Gillhouse, retired Athletic Director, said “When you step away from the day to day expectations of this job and look back, the ability to positively impact the lives and athletic experiences of the students and your coaches is really all that matters. In this regard, Doug has set the standard”.
Doug Smith’s commitment to the athletic programs at Monmouth, Woodstock, and Naperville North, and his numerous contributions to the IADA helped pave the way for his selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Director Association Hall of Fame.
2014
For one quarter of a century Dale Doehring served as athletic director at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Dale was known for his leadership and commitment to SJO. Prior to becoming the athletic director, Dale spent eight years as the head football coach and seven years as the head boys basketball coach at SJO. Dale transitioned into the role of athletic director in 1979 where he then spent the next 25 years turning SJO into a powerhouse athletic program. His leadership helped provide and develop outstanding extra-curricular programs that ensured a quality experience for the student-athletes and coaches at SJO.
During the Dale Doehring era SJO’s teams won 61 regionals, 36 sectionals, one super-sectional and six state titles. SJO also had 43 state qualifying teams and five state placing teams, not to mention multiple individual state champions. In addition to his career as athletic director, Dale was also a very well respected basketball official. He officiated the IHSA girls state tournament in 1994, 1995 and 1996.
Jeff Millis, athletic director at Westville said, “He was instrumental in forming a new conference, which helped many football programs survive and thrive in our area. He was an excellent mentor to the athletic directors in Champaign and Vermillion counties. He convinced most of us to join the IADA and attend the state conference. As with many athletic directors, Dale simply got the job done with little recognition. He did so many things that benefited coaches and athletes that many people will never even know about.”
Jim Acklin, current SJO superintendent and former cross country and track coach said,
“Dale Doehring could be described as ‘old school.’ He didn’t like white shoes, headbands, or flashy uniforms. He was also strongly opinionated, but as coaches, we always knew where we stood with Dale. Dale wanted what was best for the students at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. The school and community are indebted to Dale Doehring; he made a lasting impression on SJO’s athletic programs.”
Dale served the IADA as a division representative and as a presider at the state conference for many years. He was a member of the IHSA Legislative Commission from 1992 – 2002 and earned the IADA Division 5 Meritorious Service Award in 2003. Dale was named the IADA Class A Division Athletic Director of the Year in 1991 and again in 1995 and was honored as the IADA Class A State Athletic Director of the Year in 1996. Dale spent a professional lifetime serving his student-athletes and coaches — a career that earned him an induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Art Rohlman was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 24 years, from
1985-2009. During those 24 years, Art was the athletic director at DeKalb High School for 20 years and at Elgin High School for four years. Art also spent several years coaching football, basketball and track. He served as the IADA Conference prize committee chair for five years. Art was named the IADA Division Athletic Director of the Year for his outstanding service to his school and to the organization.
Doug Smith, retired athletic director, says, “Art has been a very active member of the IADA, serving on numerous state and convention committees. He has served as an excellent mentor for new athletic administrators entering the profession. Art was a leader in the Upstate Eight Conference for many years. His service to the IHSA is second to none. During his tenure, whether it was at DeKalb or Elgin, he hosted everything from the regional to state tournaments on behalf of the IHSA. He was one of the first event managers to host an IHSA event at a college venue. This has now become common practice due in large part to Art’s efforts.”
Art Rohlman is a 1971 graduate from Northern Illinois University where he was a three-time letter winner in basketball. Art was a graduate assistant on the staff at NIU in 1971-1972. That team was considered by many to be one of the greatest ever assembled at NIU. Art was later named to the NIU Hall of Fame.
After serving as an assistant, Rohlman took the reins at Ottawa Marquette High School as head basketball coach and proceeded to win back-to-back regional championships in his only two seasons. In 1980, Rohlman moved on to coach at DeKalb until 1986, winning regional titles in 1983 and 1984. In 1990, Art was inducted as a player into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Art is also a charter member of the Ottawa Marquette High School Hall of Fame.
Art Rohlman’s steadfast dedication to his community and his colleagues has garnered him much praise and recognition from his peers, but the honor of induction to the Illinois Athletic Directors Hall of Fame is the culmination of his efforts to be the best athletic director he could be for the student-athletes and coaches he served.
2013
Among his peers, “Bob Cowan served as a great resource to many other administrators across the state. He was always willing to take the time necessary to help anyone anyway possible. He was the type of person that people felt like they could talk to and get a direct answer from, or if he did not know the answer, he would find it out for you.” Bob worked countless hours to meet the needs of the students and staff at Granite City High School. He also worked very hard in promoting the IADA in Southern Illinois and was a person that would do whatever was needed to help
promote athletics.
Jerry McKechan, principal at Granite City High School, stated that “Bob was every principal’s dream. He never added to the principal’s workload, but was always there to reduce it. Bob never came with problems without bringing acceptable, well thought out alternatives. In addition, his leadership qualities made him a role model for our high school staff. Everyone looked to him for guidance.”
Bob Cowan was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 16 years, from 1994-2009. Prior to becoming an athletic administrator at Granite City, Bob served as a varsity baseball coach and varsity football coach. While directing the athletic programs at Granite City High School, Bob made time to serve the IADA in many different roles. Bob served as the IADA conference assistant co-chair and conference co-chair. He also served as the exhibitor chairman, corporate sponsor chairman, assistant hospitality chairman and local liaison. Bob also served as the IADA historian for ten years and was a member of the IADA executive board for 11 years. Because of his commitment and service to the IADA, Bob was named as the IADA Division 7 Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 2006.
Bob Cowan’s service to the IADA and commitment to the student-athletes and coaches at Granite City High School ensured his selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Pat Coyle was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 20 years, from 1988-2007. During his time at Jersey Community High School, Pat spent 18 years as the school’s athletic director and four years as the student activities director. He served the IADA in several different roles. He was the hospitality chair, the assistant conference co-chair and the conference co-chair. Pat also coached three different sports during his tenure at JCHS. He was an assistant football coach from 1974-1976, the head boys tennis coach from 1974-1990 and the head girls tennis coach from 1991-2007.
Because of his commitment to excellence and leadership, Pat was named the IADA Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 2003 and the IADA Class AA Division Athletic Director of the Year in 2007. Pat stated that he is very proud of being named the Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in two different divisions. He also stated that one of the many highlights of his career was his involvement in the development of the district’s sports complex and new high school.
Pat’s former superintendent, Donald Snyders, stated that “Pat provided very positive leadership and was an excellent role model for our coaching staff and sponsors.” Snyders added that “Pat introduced numerous new public relation concepts that enhanced our athletic programs and he developed the evaluation process for our coaches and sponsors.”
Mike Brey, assistant principal from Alton, remembers the support Pat offered to his peers. Brey said, “Pat went out of his way to help me as a new athletic director from the time I arrived at Alton, even though we were in two different conferences. He was truly a huge support/mentor to me and many other new athletic directors in the Metro-East area, always going out of his way to help anyone.”
Pat Coyle’s dedication and commitment to the athletic programs at Jersey Community High School and his contributions to the IADA paved the way for his selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Among his peers, “Jack was a leader in the Mid Suburban League. His service to the Illinois High School Association is second to none. He is well known and recognized across the state for his service to young people and the improvements he helped create for high school sports during his career. High school sports were better for having “Cadillac Jack” involved. Jack worked countless hours to meet the needs of the coaches and athletes at Fremd High School.
Jack Drollinger served as the athletic director at Fremd High School for 18 years from 1990-2008 and was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for each of those 18 years. Jack served the IADA in many leadership roles. He was the assistant registration chair, the registration chair, the assistant conference chair and conference chair. Jack also served on the IADA executive board.
Jack earned his CAA in 1994. He was a member of the NIAAA for 18 years and was a presider at the NIAAA conference.
During his tenure at Fremd High School, Jack served as the Mid Suburban League’s president for two years and secretary for two years. He was also the head golf coach from 1979-1990 and an assistant basketball coach from 1975-1990.
Jack has great memories of working with and getting to know the wonderful people involved in the IADA. He also sites working with the coaching staff and providing positive experiences for our students as one of the many highlights of his career. Because of his dedication and commitment to the athletic programs at Fremd High School, Jack was named IADA Outstanding Class AA Athletic Director of the Year in 2002. He was also named the IADA Outstanding Class AA Division Athletic Director of the Year in 2006.
Jerry Dobbs, athletic director at Palatine High School, has fond memories of Jack stating, “Jack always made well-thought-out decisions, putting the student-athlete first, which made him the person that many of us called on for advice. Dobbs went on to add that “Jack worked very hard in his job to build relationships with his colleagues. He was the type of athletic director that everyone wanted to be around. Fellow athletic directors respected the way he did the job and enjoyed working with him.”
Jack Drollinger’s role as a distinguished athletic director for 18 years and his dedication to the students and staff at Fremd High School guaranteed his selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Bill Murphy was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 19 years, from 1985-2004. During those 19 years, Bill was the athletic director at Crystal Lake Central High School for 12 years and at Prairie Ridge High School for seven years. Bill also spent several decades coaching. He began his coaching career as assistant football coach in 1969 and continues to work the sidelines today. He spent 15 years as an assistant and head wrestling coach and nearly 20 years as a track and field assistant coach and head coach. Bill’s dedication and leadership had, and continues to have, a tremendous influence on hundreds of student-athletes.
Bill served the IADA in a number of different roles. He was the conference chairman in 1997-1998. He was the assistant and door prize chairman for two years. He spent two years as the assistant and exhibit chairman. He was the business manager for five years and a district chairman for two years. Because of Bill’s commitment to the IADA, he was named the IADA Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 1995-1996 and again in 1996-1997.
Doug Smith, retired athletic director, stated that “Whether at Central or Prairie Ridge, his programs were always competitive. Most importantly, they were run with class and integrity; he expected nothing less. This was instilled in his athletes and coaches; it was a program to be modeled in many different ways.”
Bill Murphy’s commitment to the athletic programs at Crystal Lake Central and at Prairie Ridge and his numerous contributions to the IADA helped pave the way for his selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Director Association Hall of Fame.
Tom Gillhouse was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 26 years. He served as the athletic director at Metamora High School for three years, Deerfield High School for eight years, Belvidere High School for three years and Olympia High School for 12 years. Tom was a member of the IADA executive board for 12 years. He was an LTC coordinator for four years, a mentor chair for four years, conference chair for one year, secretary for two years and was the president of the IADA for one year. Prior to becoming the athletic director at Metamora High School, Tom was an assistant football coach, assistant track coach and head tennis coach. Tom was also an assistant basketball coach for four years, before becoming the head basketball coach for five seasons.
Tom not only served the IADA, he was also a long-time member of the NIAAA where he served in several leadership positions. Tom was a national LTC instructor, a member of the 5-State Exchange, a LTC state coordinator, and served on the national faculty. Tom also served on numerous IHSA committees.
Tom Gillhouse was named the Outstanding Athletic Director for Class A in 1990. He earned the NIAAA State Award of Merit in 1996. In 2003 he earned the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award and in 2009 he was named the Class 3A/4A State Athletic Director of the Year. Tom sites his involvement and influence with coaches and kids for 26 years as one of the many highlights of his career. He has fond memories of the many friendships he developed with athletic directors in the IADA and the NIAAA. Tom is also very proud of the work he did in helping to develop the IADA mentoring programs and IADA Hall of Fame, while teaching LTC classes and serving the national faculty.
One colleague revealed that “Tom’s service to the Illinois High School Association is second to none. Tom was an excellent mentor to many young athletic administrators and coaches that are still passing on his leadership style today. He was a great colleague to work with and a better friend.” Another colleague stated, “I was proud to work next to him, learn from him and would tell you that if I was starting a school from the basement up, I would choose Tom in the first round, because he would be the cornerstone of our foundation, standing for all that is good in our business and all that is good for students and parents.”
Tom Gillhouse’s dedication and commitment to the athletic programs he served and his contributions to the IHSA, IADA and NIAAA ensured his selection as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
2012
Among his peers, “Larry was one of the most respected athletic directors in our area of Illinois as well as with our coaches and parents and especially the athletes from Greenville and the surrounding area.” Another colleague revealed that “Larry always made it clear that his main concern was the student-athletes who were, of course, under the tutelage of the coaches.”
Larry worked countless hours to meet the needs of the students and the staff at Greenville High School. Additionally, he ensured that the athletic program functioned properly due to his commitment and diligence.
Larry Stewart served as the athletic director at Greenville High School for 23 years. In addition to serving Greenville, Larry served the Illinois Athletic Directors Association in a variety of capacities. He was the secretary of the IADA for two years and a presenter and moderator at the state conference for three years. Larry also assisted with the hospitality room at the state conference for four years. Larry received the IADA Class A Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year award in 1999. He was also recognized by the Illinois Principals Association as the assistant principal of the Year–Kaskaskia Region in 1997 and Athletic Director of the Year–Kaskaskia Region in 2003.
During his tenure as athletic director, Larry Stewart also served other leadership roles. He was a member of the Illinois High School Association’s news advisory committee for three years. He was also the secretary/treasurer for the Mid-State Conference and the South Central Conference for two years respectively.
Larry Stewart was not only dedicated to improving the educational opportunities for Greenville’s student-athletes, but he made it his mission to enhance the athletic facilities and programs at the high school. He was the driving force behind a new eight-lane all-weather track and new football stadium and baseball field at Greenville. In 1988 he pushed to start volleyball, and in 1990 he started the Comets Sports Boosters Club.
Larry Stewart’s dedication and commitment to the athletic program at Greenville High School and his contributions to the IADA position ensured his selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
After working with Craig Watson for several years, one coach of 35 years stated, “He is simply the best. He was always very organized and treated all events that we hosted with the same class and organization, from a freshmen contest to a huge IHSA event.” Based on his dedication and commitment to the athletic programs at Oswego High School and to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association, Craig Watson’s induction into the IADA Hall of Fame is well deserved.
Craig is a lifetime member of the IADA and the NIAAA. From 2003-2006, Craig acted as chairman of the Public Relations Action Plan on the strategic plan committee. Craig has taught and continues to teach LTC courses for the IADA. He served the IADA executive board for two years as the mentor program chair. In fact, Craig began the mentoring program that is in place today. During his two years as mentor coordinator, Craig aligned over 100 first year athletic directors with a veteran athletic director to serve as their mentor throughout the state.
It came as no surprise to those around him when Craig was chosen as the IADA Distinguished Service Award winner in 2007. As the athletic director at Oswego, one colleague stated, “Craig demonstrated great characteristics that educators and administrators should possess. He is truly a collaborative, dedicated and trusted administrator. Kids are his number one priority…He has counseled many students and has supported them as the athletic director and as the assistant principal. He has epitomized character, class, integrity and sportsmanship.”
During Craig’s 12-year career as the athletic director at Oswego he saw the football team win a State title in 2003 and the girls bowling team win a State title in 1998. Craig is equally proud of the fact that ninety percent of the varsity teams at Oswego earned the IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award during his tenure. In addition to his role as athletic director, Craig served as the school’s head boys basketball coach for two years.
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Craig Watson as a member of the IADA Hall of Fame.
2011
Washington Bush served as the athletic director at James B. Conant High School for 15 years. Washington served the IADA in a variety of capacities. He was a CAA test administrator for ten years, an LTC instructor for six years, business manager for five years, mentor, assistant golf chair, assistant conference chair and conference chair. Washington received the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year Award in 1998 and the IADA Athletic Director of the Year in 2007. He served on the IHSA sportsmanship committee, the IHSA legislative commission and the IHSA strategic plan committee on finances. Washington also served on the NIAAA strategic plan committee and the presented at the NIAAA national conference. He was also awarded the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association’s Administrator of the Year in 2002.
While at Conant, Washington was very involved with the IHSA. Conant hosted many state series events, including the IHSA girls soccer state finals. He also volunteered his time at the boys volleyball state tournament, the girls gymnastics state meet, the boys state track meet and the state wrestling meet. Washington was also a member of the Northern Illinois sports officiating committee. He served as the president of the Mid Suburban League and served on the league’s board of control. Washington also served as the Mid Suburban League’s wrestling, swimming and water polo liaison.
Steve May, athletic director at Wheeling High School says, “Washington Bush was one of the finest athletic directors of his era. At Conant, he had the respect and admiration of his entire coaching staff and community. When your team went to Conant to compete, you knew you would be treated to a first-class event. Washington was always there to greet you and make sure things ran smoothly. When you thought of Conant athletics, you thought Washington Bush.”
Outside of athletics, Washington was a member of the United Way board, the Big Brother/Big Sister program and was a volunteer with the Special Olympics.
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Washington Bush as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
2010
“What can I do to help?” were Kent Ayers’ first words at host schools during a career of service and coaching that began in 1968 as a boys tennis coach. Kent’s dedication has been described as second-to-none, and his 17 years as Pekin Community High School’s athletic director as well as his contributions to IADA and the IHSA have earned Kent’s place in the 2010 IADA Hall of Fame.
A past IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year, Kent was viewed as a dedicated, hard working, and conscientious athletic director who prioritized the needs of Pekin’s student-athletes. For example, in his service as athletic director he fostered the growth and level of the girls athletic programs at Pekin High, and as a “hands on” athletic director his service extended to well beyond the school day and to sometimes sweeping water off golf greens or tennis courts. A colleague said Kent has never refused a request for help from Pekin Community High School—even in retirement, he honored a request to serve as interim athletic director during a time of unexpected need at Pekin.
Under Kent’s directorship, the Pekin Insurance Holiday Basketball Tournament was recognized as a premier Illinois tournament. His dedication to excellence as tournament director ensured a seamlessly and professionally run event providing first-class treatment for everyone involved. Another colleague said Kent’s preparation for hosting activities was always excellent and his outstanding administrative skills were obvious to all.
With that same talent and ethic he has made contributions to the IADA through his service as a representative, liaison and committee chair with further contributions to the IHSA as a GBB Happening coordinator and state softball financial manager. Regardless of state, conference or school setting, Kent remained a trusted and honest voice for his colleagues.
Each of Kent’s countless contributions to Illinois athletics was executed professionally and productively, and in recognition of such service, Kent Ayers is welcomed to the 2010 Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Passionate and charismatic are two descriptors for this 2010 IADA Hall of Fame member–Jim Bloch. According to one colleague, calculating Jim’s cumulative impact on Illinois athletics is no easy task, because his contributions are unparalleled.
Twenty-six years as an athletic director—eight years at New Trier Township High School and 18 years at Glenbrook North High School—provided countless opportunities for Jim to impact programs and individuals. That same colleague praised him with these words, “Jim exhibited a skill set which was exemplary, melding an exceptional work ethic with an intuitive sense of what his coaches, the student-athletes and their parents needed to be successful members of New Trier’s interscholastic athletic program.” And if a student-athlete’s injury demanded Jim leave a Cubs game, he did. That commitment to individuals has created life-long friendships and immeasurable impact on high school students, who through Jim’s work, experienced life lessons that only athletic involvement can teach.
His commitment to his profession has fostered the growth of countless athletic administrators and promoted the field’s prestige. Jim’s board memberships have included service to the North Suburban YMCA and Illinois Special Olympics. His IADA contributions include serving as president and serving on many committees highlighted by original committee membership on both the mentor program and leadership training program. Jim’s continued service as an LTC instructor earns much praise. His passion and integrity make him, according to another colleague, an “all-star instructor,” so it is no surprise that Jim is a featured leadership speaker at workshops and small businesses throughout the state and country.
The NIAAA and IADA have recognized Jim’s contributions through numerous awards; however, the best testament to him is from the IADA leadership training program coordinator who said, “Jim Bloch’s life is about service to others, and he has served for numerous other athletic administrators as the finest professional role model there is in our profession.” And for that Jim Bloch is now a member of the IADA 2010 Hall of Fame.
An IHSA assistant executive director for 11 years and activities director at Morton High School and University High School for five and eight years respectively, Dave Gannaway is awarded membership in the 2010 IADA Hall of Fame.
Dave’s IHSA executive responsibilities included overseeing football, softball, wrestling and baseball. Add to that the responsibility of oversight of some 12,500 high school officials, and Dave can be credited with working tirelessly throughout his IHSA tenure. Running the Association’s March Madness Experience wheelchair basketball tournament and building the annual IHSA officials convention into a premier event were further contributions.
The label innovator is additional praise given to Dave. Through his leadership, drive and passion, IHSA introduced high school bass fishing as a sanctioned activity with a bass fishing state championship tournament debuting in May 2009—the first of its kind in the country.
Other professional endeavors include IADA presidency, publication in Interscholastic Athletic Administration, and numerous presentations at the National Athletic Administrative and IADA conferences. Those and his countless other efforts have been recognized by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association which named him an administrator of the year. The IADA named him an Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year, and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association recognized Dave with the Illinois State Award of Merit.
A colleague spoke highly of Dave in an IHSA release: “Dave is beloved around this state because of his ability to strike the perfect balance between a fun-loving character and one of the finest professionals in the business. Dave has had a direct effect on thousands of students’ and officials’ decisions to get involved with high school sports and activities.”
With over 30 years as teacher, coach, administrator and mentor, Dave is truly deserving of induction into the 2010 IADA Hall of Fame.
Visionary. Provider. Pioneer. Lenore Wilcox served 16 years as athletic director at Wheaton Central/Wheaton Warrenville South High Schools and is named to the 2010 IADA Hall of Fame.
Lenore also served as the IADA membership chair, presented frequently at Association and ISHA conventions and created the IADA’s first web page. Her commitment to the IADA and student-athletes was honored with being named an Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year and being inducted into the Women’s Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Wheaton Warrenville South High School Hall of Fame.
Other significant contributions were quietly and tirelessly made during her Wheaton years. Her passion as a physical education teacher of multi-needs students was visible through a school secretary’s window. She created a babysitting service allowing women coaches to continue their efforts. Lenore’s fundraising provided signage and display cases that could not have otherwise been purchased. A memorial garden for student veterans who gave their lives thrives, because she created it. A colleague colorfully captured another tireless effort: when Lenore realized the school’s vending machines could be used to bring revenue for the extras, she did what might be the unthinkable to others in her position—made weekly runs to discount food clubs and brought back in her old car cartons of items to stock these machines. Numerous fields were built, refurbished or irrigated through Lenore’s efforts.
Wheaton thrived under her directorship. Her former principal said, “Under her leadership the athletic program at South/Central was elevated to topics not just about winning, but about equity, sportsmanship, and commitment. It would be easy to characterize Lenore’s contribution as part of the larger issue of equal opportunity for women because Lenore was one the first female athletic directors in the state. That, however, would be demeaning to her and what she accomplished.
Lenore was not about creating more opportunities for female athletes—she was about creating more opportunities for all athletes, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or socio-economic background. She was an advocate for all, and everything else built from that foundation.” Clearly Lenore Wilcox is deserving of 2010 Hall of Fame membership.
2009
During his 27-year tenure as athletic director, Larry was committed to providing quality athletic programs and dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the student-athletes, coaches, and community at Bolingbrook High School. Based on his service and commitment to his school, his conference, and Illinois, Larry Bernard’s induction into the Hall of Fame is well-deserved.
As a testament to Larry’s impact and legacy at Bolingbrook High School, the district dedicated its new fitness facility as the Larry Bernard Fitness Center. During his athletic director career, Larry had the opportunity to mentor a number of coaches and fellow athletic directors. One of Larry’s colleagues shared his respect and awe at Larry’s leadership style. “He had a special way of listening to all parties and demonstrated a caring personality while maintaining a great passion for his profession.”
His passion was evident in his leadership roles within SICA. Another colleague shared, “I observed Larry providing guidance and leadership to the largest athletic conference in the state, not only during his term as president, but each and every year. For many years, he was our ‘handbook guru’, always willing to fire up his Apple II to keep our handbook updated.” In 2002, the IADA recognized Larry Bernard’s tireless efforts and professionalism by selecting him as the Class AA Athletic Director of the Year. Larry Bernard was quoted as believing that “the facilities are basically paint, windows, bricks, etc…that doesn’t make a school. A school is the people, its students, its athletes, its teachers.”
Larry Bernard is one of those people to positively impact students and staff and it is an honor to award him his place in an elite group – the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Terry McCombs’ induction into the IADA Hall of Fame is well deserved and a reflection of his tireless efforts to create a professional and energized atmosphere within the IADA and IHSA based on commitment, collaboration, and collegiality.
Terry McCombs’ commitment to athletics within his tenure as the athletic director at Bloomington and Downers Grove South High Schools was commended by his peers who were asked to write on his behalf. One protégé shared, “Terry is a prominent figure in each of the communities he has served. Both communities continue to recognize and appreciate the tremendous work he has done for the students of Woodridge, Downers Grove, Darien, and Bloomington. Numerous community members will walk up to him saying hello, reminiscing, and thanking Terry for his tireless efforts.” One of the ways that Terry McCombs’ commitment to Downers Grove South is felt today is at South High’s stadium where Terry was pivotal in raising the $120,000 necessary for a new press box.
It is clear that Terry McCombs’ dedication to improving the lives of student-athletes while he was teaching, coaching, and directing athletics is in an elite class. He has earned recognition as the IADA Class AA Athletic Director of the Year in 1995-1996; he earned the NIAAA State Award for Merit in 2003; he served as the IADA conference co-chairman in 2003-2004; and he was inducted into the IHSA Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1996.
Another colleague stated that Terry “played a significant role in his transition into an administrative position… he took me under his wing immediately and was willing to give me guidance whenever I asked for it.” Terry McCombs’ passion for athletics and efforts to assist the IHSA’s and IADA’s commitment to leadership within our state serve as “a model of the values to be promoted and honored by this award.” It is no surprise that Terry McCombs’ career has earned him induction to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
During his tenure within District 211, John Selke helped to energize and educate the Schaumburg community with his motto “Setting High Standards.” Without a doubt, John Selke has earned his place in the IADA Hall of Fame Class of 2009 as two of his colleagues proclaimed that he is one of those rare individuals who brings the best out of everyone and holds himself to the highest of professional and personal standards.
As an athletic director, John was the administrative force in the acquisition of stadium lights for Schaumburg High School in 2003. Within the school community he was responsible for implementation of the Champions Program in 1989, which is a drug-free initiative for athletes and their parents. Always the consummate professional, one colleague shared, “John always found time to help the coaches and athletes…the state championship in boys basketball can be directly attributed to John’s leadership and support.” Clearly, John Selke’s dedication to the student-athletes and coaches he represented was not unnoticed as he was recognized as the IADA Athletic Director of the Year in 2005.
In addition to his lasting imprint on Schaumburg High School, John Selke has dedicated his time and efforts to the IADA and the NIAAA. Whether coordinating the annual IADA Awards Banquet and serving as the master of ceremonies or presenting at the conference and teaching LTC classes, John has “helped shape the type of professional organization we now have.” John Selke’s unwavering devotion to the organization and its members has earned him this prestigious honor.
John Selke’s unsurpassed dedication to student-athletes, his community, and our state and national organizations has positioned him in the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame for 2009.
John. A. Van Fleet, Sr.’s induction into the 2009 IADA Hall of Fame is perhaps one of the most deserved recognitions for an individual dedicated to innovation and to professionalism within the state of Illinois, perhaps even at the national level.
One colleague eloquently shared that “John continues to seek knowledge, apply its most valued concepts and then strives to improve its outcome to ensure that athletic administrators are better prepared to perform their duties within their schools.” His determination to be a positive mentor to all athletic administrators is nationally recognized in John’s editing and re-writing of the Mentor-Mentee Program Handbook lauded by the NIAAA and utilized by many in our field. His dedication to fellowship and scholarship are further evidenced by his countless presentations, workshops, and 49 LTC classes taught at various levels throughout the country.
Even with his impact on the state and national level, John Van Fleet’s influence as an athletic director speaks to his belief that athletics bring out the best in people. His guidance and initiative to help the Woodstock community raised in excess of $100,000 necessary to pay for a new press box and scoreboard to replace the vintage mid-1960 board still used early in the millennium. Shortly thereafter, John’s assistance in the planning and preparation for a referendum culminated in the successful passage of the referendum responsible for Woodstock North High School.
A fellow administrator stated, “He is one of the most influential Leadership Training state coordinators in the nation if not the most influential state coordinator.” John Van Fleet’s steadfast dedication to his community and his colleagues has garnered him much praise and recognition from his peers but the honor of induction to the Illinois Athletic Directors Hall of Fame is the culmination of his efforts to be the best athletic director he could be.
2008
During his span of 25 years as athletic director, Don helped to change the Nashville Community High School athletic program from a one sport school to an athletic program that has held a conference championship in each of the 11 sports offered. The determination to enact comprehensive change was inspired by the community but crystallized through Don’s commitment to athletic achievement and the student-athlete’s educational opportunities.
As a testament to Don Hawkins’s selection to the Hall of Fame, a fellow retired athletic director emphatically shared, “the easiest way I can communicate this [Don’ s induction] to you and the selection committee is to state the truth: Don Hawkins was the best athletic director that I have ever been associated with.” To have such a generous recommendation is an honor in and of itself. However, as a member and leader in the IHSA —Legislative Commission and Finance Ad Hoc Committee – and a member and leader of the Illinois Coaches Association, Southern Illinois Coaches Association and as River to River Conference Athletic Directors Chairman, Don Hawkins has proven himself as the champion of the student-athlete and the advocate for the role of the athletic director in setting the tone of an athletic program.
It was no surprise to those around him when Don was chosen as IADA Class A Athletic Director of the Year, Athletic Director of the Decade by Southern Illinois Officials Association, and chosen as a finalist for National Athletic Director of the year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. Don has dedicated his energy, his time, and his life to the Nashville Community and he has remained humble and noble in his servitude. He has a love and respect for athletics that is unparalleled.
As one colleague revealed that, “First and foremost, coaches and student-athletes were held to a rigid standard for sportsmanship and competitive preparation…He set a model for the treatment of opposing teams and officials…and his role in the development of young coaches and young athletic officials was notable.” Such a dedication to every aspect of the athletic domain is what has earned Don Hawkins his selection as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
After working with Mike for 13 years, one administrator stated, “He is the best athletic director I have worked with in 40 years in education.” Based on his positions and responsibilities held with the IADA and his legacy at LTHS, Mike Morris’ induction into the Hall of Fame is well deserved.
As an athletic director, Mike tirelessly worked to obtain his CAA and CMAA. During his final two years “when others might have coasted into retirement, Mike took on the major initiative of renovating and planning the development of a new fieldhouse, Olympic size swimming pool, wrestling facility and turf field.” Under his guidance, Mike increased the number of participants in athletic programs from 1200 student-athletes to 2000+ student-athletes. Mike worked with the entire community to implement new teams to the LTHS athletic department: boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls water polo, girls golf, boys volleyball, and Special Olympics basketball.
Aside from working to improve the high school experience for student-athletes, Mike also worked to present information to assist the college-bound athlete. He presented various addresses to athletic director conferences in order to give back to the community. During his IADA tenure, Mike served as a part of the Registration Committee, as a presenter, as an Executive Board Member, and as Treasurer. In turn, the IADA honored him with the Outstanding Athletic Administrator of the Year in 1997 and Class AA Co-Athletic Director of the Year Award in 2004. Mike was selected NFHS Citation Award Nominee from Illinois in 2003.
As his role at LTHS was more than an athletic director, Mike’s overall contribution to the school community extended far beyond athletics. He was a forceful voice of reason on key issues and was involved in many different school functions. “Only at LTHS could you find 130 freshmen playing football, 170 girls running cross country, 75 students in a Shakespeare Club Society, and 3000 students attending a Homecoming Dance… Under his leadership, the school greatly increased the number of students participating in a wide range of events.” Michael Morris’ professional commitment to students and their programs has placed him in an elite group – the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall
of Fame.
Among his peers, Lee Pappas “had a great reputation for being accountable, getting things done the right way, being well organized, being helpful, and being a man of his word.” During his 15-year tenure, Lee Pappas founded both the Quincy Senior High School Scholastic Based Scholarship and the Quincy Senior High School Athletic Scholarship – both of which were renamed for him upon his retirement.
Lee Pappas was not only dedicated to improving the educational opportunities for Quincy’s student-athletes, but he made it his mission to have the Quincy athletic programs give back to the community as well. Lee Pappas was the creative force behind the QSHS “Giving Back to the Future Program” that required each team/activity to participate in interactive community programs such as Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Mentors for Young Lives, Hoops Shoot, and First Tee Program. A fellow athletic director shared that “Lee would always lead by example, whether it was a good or bad situation… He was a great mentor for me … He always took the time to listen to me no matter how busy he was.” This quality of dedicating time and energy to each and every person, situation, and/or endeavor is what set Lee Pappas apart from the rest.
One colleague stated, “Girls athletic schedules, use of facilities and fairness in salaries were enhanced under his direction.” Another associate revealed that “We were able to take a potentially bad rivalry and turn it into a good one…At every contest, we would meet and work the event together as one. The teamwork we had made our rivalry a good one.” Lee was an athletic director determined to be the change he wished to see in the world and remained true to the IHSA standards of conduct.
The greatest compliment to an athletic director is recognition from his peers; in 2000 and 2002 Lee Pappas was chosen as IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year. From founding the QSHS Multi-Athlete Award Program and QSHS Walls of Fame to serving the IHSA for 36 years in officiating, it is no surprise that Leonidas Pappas’ career has earned him induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Throughout his 35 year career in education, Ken Shultz remained steadfast in his philosophy grounded on the belief that if “you surround yourself with outstanding individuals, they will make you look good…I was blessed with passionate, caring coaches and committed, dedicated athletes.” In kind, those who worked with him maintain that they were blessed to learn from such a sincere and committed athletic director.
During his 22-year tenure as Homewood-Flossmoor’s director of athletics, intramurals, and student activities, Ken Shultz’s resume of accomplishments ranges from managing over 201 conference championships and 473 H-F invitationals, encouraging parental involvement and student accountability through mandatory training meetings, formalizing weekly academic eligibility for student-athletes, and initiating and organizing the H-F Senior Athlete Banquet, to instituting the policy, procedure and implementation of random athletic drug testing, a program still in use at H-F. This lasting accomplishment afforded Ken Shultz the opportunity and venue on the local and national level to promote the safety and the integrity of the student-athlete.
Through his services in supervising high school athletics, acting as summer school principal, coordinating the H-F Master Athletic Facility Project, chairing the Prairie State Athletic Advisory Board, and presenting on drug testing policies, Kenneth Schultz always encouraged his colleagues to get involved with the state and national conferences. His attendance and active participation in 24 state and national athletic director conferences pales in comparison to the honors and awards bestowed on him for his outstanding service as an athletic director. As one protégé noted, “Whatever Ken was involved in was done professionally and completely… he truly is a leader of leaders.” Ken Shultz believed that if there was a better way to reach a goal, it was his duty to do so without complaint or criticism. His service to the IADA and NIAAA is a testament to his belief in being a part of the whole, and that through teamwork amazing feats are accomplished. Ken has received numerous awards, locally and nationally, for his dedication to the IADA and NIAAA.
Kenneth Shultz’s professional and passionate commitment to his community and its programs has placed him in an elite group – the Illinois Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.
2007
One colleague stated, “Don Crandall is the best administrator I have ever worked with. His insight, diligence and personal character traits are beyond reproach.” Another colleague noted, “His coaches and fellow administrators confidently looked to him for leadership, assistance and support.” Don’s career as an athletic administrator spanned 19 years. Mr. Crandall served as athletic director at James B. Conant High School (three years) and Palatine High School (four years) before closing his career as director of student activities for Township High School District 211 (12 years). While director of student activities for District 211, Don supervised the district’s 5-building athletic program with approximately 9000 athletes and nearly 500 coaches.
Don’s commitment and professionalism are evidenced by the work he has accomplished as director of student activities. A few examples of his work include developing District 211’s drug/alcohol education program, College-Bound Student-Athlete Handbook, Aquatics Procedures Handbook, and Student-Athlete Handbook. Don has been an active member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association since 1985 and has served the organization in several capacities including president, mentor, division liaison, conference presenter, and several conference committee roles. His peers note his willingness to volunteer time and talents in order to benefit the organization (IADA) and its members. Mr. Crandall has been recognized for his contributions at the state and national level.
In 1998, Don received the Illinois State Board of Education “Those Who Excel” Award. Through the NIAAA (National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association), Don received the Distinguished Service Award. Most recently, Mr. Crandall was announced as the IADA Athletic Director of the Year (2004).
Even in his retirement, Don remains at the top of the list of those that our athletic administrators call when confronted by difficult situations. Those close to him say he exemplifies the highest qualities of the athletic administrator. These qualities have earned his induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Among his peers, Doug Duval is known for his strong leadership, high expectations, never-ending support, and strong values. Doug served as an athletic director for five suburban high schools for 27 years. His longest tenure was at Mundelein High School, during which time he provided eleven years of service. A colleague mentioned, “In his time at Mundelein, he had a huge impact. Every athletic facility had renovations and improvements.” The list of improved facilities include the baseball field, softball field, stadium track and bleachers, new floors in all indoor facilities and new locker rooms for coaches and athletes.
Doug Duval has made a lasting impression in suburban Illinois due to his leadership roles in the Fox Valley, DuPage Valley, West Suburban and North Suburban Conferences. His impact on high school athletics extended to the state level. He served on multiple committees for the Illinois High School Association and hosted countless regional, sectional, and super-sectional contests. Mr. Duval has been a member of the IADA since 1978. His involvement with the IADA includes: NIAAA liaison, journal editor, new membership presenter, conference chair, membership chair, and secretary. Mr. Duval is noted for his contributions to the NIAAA. He served on the NIAAA publications committee for 12 years, presented at the national conference three times, and was an original member of the Leadership Training Class.
One highlight of Doug’s career was being able to watch his own children compete and participate in athletics. Doug had the good fortune of awarding his daughter her state medal. Mr. Duval also appreciates the multiple friendships that he developed at the local, state, and national levels. His family and friends have been by his side during his twenty-six year career as an athletic director – a career worthy of his induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
For nearly a quarter of a century, Norb Kassing served as athletic director at New Athens High School. Norb is known as an individual that fostered a healthy spirit of competition among athletes and school spirit among all students. A colleague stated Norb was a careful and thoughtful planner as an athletic director. Norb’s former superintendent noted that whenever he organized an event, administrators could be confident that attention has been paid to every detail. During his tenure at New Athens, Mr. Kassing implemented girls athletics. While athletic director, Norb spent years as head coach for the junior high’s baseball, boys basketball, and girls basketball programs.
He is known as a leader among his conference colleagues. Norb helped the Cahokia Conference expand their membership twice and helped develop guidelines for their conference expansion. He served his athletic conference as president for three years. Norb has been an active member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for 24 years.
He served as Division 7 Liaison for seven years, president, golf chair, retired athletic director liaison, and assistant corporate chair. On two occasions, the IADA recognized Norb as an Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year. Norb’s contributions extended to the Illinois High School Association by serving on the IHSA Sportsmanship Committee from its onset until the time of his retirement.
The association honored Mr. Kassing by presenting him with the IHSA Achievement Award for Sportsmanship. New Athens has hosted many regional and sectional tournaments under Mr. Kassing’s leadership.
Reflecting on his career, Norb values the friendships he has developed with fellow athletic directors throughout the state. He values the everyday interactions with student-athletes and coaches. Norb’s professional commitment to student-athletes and their programs has placed him in an elite group – the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
As the school’s first athletic director, Dick Kerner helped open the doors at Waubonsie Valley High School in September of 1975. The school welcomed 293 students on its opening day of school. At retirement (21 years later), the school’s enrollment exceeded 3000 students. Kerner was responsible for building the athletic program from the ground up, including everything from hiring coaches, ordering equipment, and scheduling games, to constructing athletic fields. His athletic program began with a couple of levels in a few sports, which grew to over 20 sports and 87 levels at the time of retirement. In addition to his role as athletic director, Dick was the school’s first physical education/driver education department chair (five years) and coached football at the school for 20 years.
Taylor Bell of the Chicago Sun Times wrote an article several years ago about the growth and success of Waubonsie Valley High School. Bell wrote, “The architect of Waubonsie Valley’s renaissance is Athletic Director Dick Kerner, who has turned hamburger into filet mignon.” Colleagues credited the school’s success with Kerner’s ability to surround himself with good people. His former principal stated, “Mr. Kerner proved to be a most diligent and tireless member of our administrative team who was oblivious to the clock as he worked to develop an athletic program that became recognized throughout the area and state as a class operation.” Dick’s contributions to high school athletics were recognized at the state and local levels. In 1995, Dick was recognized by the IADA as an Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year. In the same year, Mr. Kerner was inducted into the Waubonsie Valley High School Hall of Fame.
In the fall of 1995, the school’s stadium was named Dick Kerner Stadium. The school publicly recognized his contributions to the school and his unfailing personal example of the “Spirit of the Warrior.”
For his contributions to high school athletics, Dick Kerner deservedly assumes his place as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
2006
Known as a tireless worker and advocate for students and staff, Larry Chaney improved the programs and facilities at Springfield Southeast during his 16 years as athletic director. In addition to his athletic director responsibilities, Larry supervised student activities and was responsible for numerous non-athletic-related activities such as coordinating field trips, fundraising, tutoring programs, building and ground usage. Prior to retirement, Mr. Chaney supervised and orchestrated the renovation of all Southeast High School outdoor athletic facilities.
In 1992, Larry played a vital role in the development of the Central State Eight Conference. Since its inception, Larry has coordinated numerous conference events including the recognition banquet, golf outing, leadership seminar, music contest, and scholastic bowl. His peers also noted his contributions in the areas of scheduling, budgeting, and communications between schools.
As an active member of the IADA, Mr. Chaney served as District 18 representative for six years and Division 6 liaison for four years. In 2001, his contributions at the state and local levels were recognized as he was named the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director.
In addition to his IADA involvement, Larry utilized his skills by serving on the IHSA Administrative Advisory Committee for four years.
A colleague noted that Larry made numerous contributions with few resources available to assist him.
His colleague continued by stating, “Larry will find the time or the way to get things done.” Larry’s professional commitment to students and their programs have placed him in an elite group – the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Among his peers, Rich is known for his insight, leadership, and commitment to the school. His leadership helped provide and develop outstanding extracurricular programs that ensured his student-athletes a quality experience. A loyal person, Rich spent his entire professional career at Red Bud High School. Along with his teaching responsibilities, he served as the head basketball coach for three years and head baseball coach for 17 years. The last 20 years of his career Mr. Griffin served the school as athletic director.
A fellow athletic director said, “I am sure that my fellow athletic directors in the Cahokia Conference share the same admiration and appreciation of Rich during his many years at Red Bud High School.” Rich was well known for his involvement in the Cahokia Athletic Conference. He served the conference as president for five years and secretary for three years. Rich Griffin extended his commitment to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association. He served the association as treasurer for four years and division representative for three years.
In 1988, Rich was the social chairman for our state’s conference. That same year, he was nominated as an IADA Class A Outstanding Athletic Director.
Rich is known for his devotion to the school, community, and family. Those close to him state his integrity and ability to inspire all around him make him a very special person. Rich has spent a professional lifetime serving his student-athletes and coaches – a career that has earned him induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
For parts of five decades, Pat Hamm has been an important part of Roxana High School history. The first impression Pat made on Roxana was as an athlete who earned 14 varsity letters. A couple years after college, Mr. Hamm returned as a teacher and coach and held the athletic director position for 19 years. Pat served as head coach for basketball and golf. Roxana gained the reputation as a distinct powerhouse in southern Illinois athletics, especially in football and wrestling during his tenure as athletic director. Under his leadership, Pat was instrumental in adding girls track, boys soccer, and girls soccer. Pat Hamm always considered the needs of his student-athletes. Through his direction and leadership, Roxana was able to transition to a newly developed conference (South Central Conference) shortly after his retirement.
His commitment to high school athletics extended beyond Roxana. Pat served the Illinois Athletic Directors Association in a few capacities: social chairman (two years), awards chairman (two years), and golf outing coordinator (one year). For 20 years, Pat attended our state conference and maintained membership in the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
A colleague noted Pat was an outstanding role model to student-athletes and a loyal supporter of his coaching staff. Pat is remembered as a leader dedicated to equal emphasis of all his programs including equal emphasis on male and female activities. Another colleague stated, “His purpose and heart were always with the community of Roxana.” These characteristics have made Pat Hamm well known and respected in Roxana and throughout Illinois. These same qualities have earned his induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
According to one colleague, “Neil McCauley could be rightly called the father of Naperville North athletics.” Neil served Naperville North as athletic director for twenty-six years. Every facility developed at North was enhanced through his leadership. Neil led the parents, community, and school district to work together on behalf of the student-athletes. In addition, his leadership extended beyond the Naperville community. He was considered the “Dean” of athletic directors of the DuPage Valley Conference. He served multiple terms as president, treasurer, and secretary and was instrumental in the growth and development of this conference.
The IADA also benefited from Neil’s leadership. He served in such roles as district representative, exhibit chair, conference chair, and division liaison. Neil is known throughout the state as being a primary force in “shortening the distance” between the north and the south.
Neil’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 1995, he was named as an IADA Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director. In 2000, he was recognized as a distinguished educator at Naperville North High School. That same year, the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association inducted him into their hall of fame. And in 2006, Neil McCauley was inducted into the Naperville North Athletic Hall of Fame. Upon his retirement, School District 203 in an unprecedented action, named the entire Naperville North sports facility the “Neil McCauley Athletic Complex.” This honor illustrates Neil’s monumental impact on his school and community.
Neil is a valued member of Illinois high school athletics. His leadership allowed his programs to grow and flourish. His ability to listen and relate to people enabled the state association members to grow closer together. His success as an athletic director was the result of his philosophical belief in the betterment of our student-athletes. Neil McCauley deservedly assumes his place as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Jerry Turry has become linked with the terms “leadership” and “innovation”. At Niles West, Jerry served as athletic director for 17 years. During his first years as athletic director, Jerry developed the athletic permit card, coaching manual, and athletic handbook. He was also responsible for developing the manual on “Academic Survival” for Niles West student-athletes. In 1983, Mr. Turry coordinated the largest renovation project ($1.2 million) in the school’s history. Jerry was a key player in leading the way to the IHSA’s official acceptance of girls soccer and boys volleyball. His school hosted the first state tournament in both sports.
Jerry served the IADA in several capacities: conference registration chair, conference exhibit chair, and president. In 1983, Jerry represented the IADA at the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Meeting in Stevens Point. He was a presenter at the Illinois State Conference. He represented the IADA at the Illinois State Legislature as a lobbyist against SB 1522, “No Pass No Play.” In 1985, the IADA recognized Jerry as an outstanding athletic director. Through the NIAAA, he presented at multiple national conferences. Jerry organized the creation of the first ever “hands on” computer seminar for athletic directors at the national conference (Milwaukee). He received the National Federation Citation Award in 1987 and the NIAAA State Award of Merit in 1990. In 1988, he was appointed to the NIAAA Board of Directors representing Region IV. Utilizing his knowledge and experience, Jerry served as a columnist for the “Athletic Director and Coach” newsletter.
His leadership extended into public office. In the mid ‘90s, Jerry was elected as a trustee for the Village of Lincolnwood. In 2003, Jerry was elected to his third term as trustee. Currently, Jerry Turry is the president of the Village of Lincolnwood. Jerry Turry has spent his professional career in public service – a career worthy of his induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.
2005
Spanning a four-decade association with athletics, Jim Brown has been a major contributor to the development of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association as well as the athletic program at Oak Park-River Forest, where he served as athletic director for 13 years. Committed to the IADA, Jim served as the association’s president in 1989-1990 and continued to provid leadership after his tenure by filling several important positions in the organization including registration, program, conference and members services chairmanships.
Characterized as a tireless teacher, coach and administrator, Jim began his career during the 1961-1962 school year at Proviso East High School. Focusing on football initially, he worked at his college alma mater – the University of Illinois – as a member of the coaching staff from 1962-1971. Transferring his knowledge and work ethic to the high school arena, he began a professional association with Oak Park-River Forest in 1971. During the next twenty-six years, he played an integral role in the school’s athletic program while coaching football, wrestling and golf. His dedicated service was rewarded in 1991 when he was inducted into the Oak Park-River Forest Coaches Hall of Fame.
As a member of the American Football Coaches Association, the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association, the NIAAA and the IADA, he was recognized as an efficient and successful administrator whose opinions were valued by his associates. This ability was evident while as an athletic director he directed the transition of the Des Plaines Valley League into the West Suburban Conference.
Commitment of time, energy and effort defines the career of Jim Brown. These characteristics, consistently applied over a professional lifetime, have earned him induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
An advocate for student-athletes and activities, Ted Caiazza takes his rightful place among those inducted into the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame. As an athlete who was named as a charter member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the hardwood for Lyons Township, he performed at a level that garnered recognition across the state. His high school exploits — and successes — however, were only preliminaries to a professional career that significantly contributed to many aspects of athletics.
After brief stints at Hebron and Rich Township, Ted accepted a position at Reavis High School in 1962 and for the next 30 years (15 as athletic director) became a guiding force in the lives of the athletes and coaches with whom he came in contact. Serving as varsity coach in four different sports prepared him for the duties of athletic director, which he executed with integrity and passion. Serving one term as the president of SICA, the largest athletic conference in the state, and providing guidance and leadership during his 15-year association with the league, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to athletics. He was responsible for starting the first girls interscholastic program at Reavis and the first girls Varsity Club among co-education institutions in the state.
That commitment extended to his professional associations. Ted served at various times during his career as an IADA district representative and historian, president of the Western Springs Park District, and recreation commissioner for Western Springs. Additionally, he found time to work as an IHSA official in both basketball and track. Multi-talented and an advocate for athletes and athletics, Ted Caiazza deservedly takes his place as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Marv Carlson served as a significant contributor to the development of the athletic program at Glenbard South High School and as a reliable and conscientious supporter of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association.
Accepting numerous leadership positions in the IADA primarily involved with the conference committee, Marv revealed his commitment to the principles of the state organization while maintaining a leadership role in improving the athletic program at Glenbard South. He also applied that positive approach to his administrative duties during his 16 years as the head of the Glenbard South athletic program.
Marv’s professional associations were many and reflected the many interests that directly impacted student-athletes in his school and in the Chicago suburban area. Initially involved in coaching, he began his career on the sidelines in 1962. During these years, he earned the respect of his fellow coaches in four different sports. After moving into the athletic directorship at Glenbard South, Marv devoted the next 16 years to molding and improving the athletic opportunities for athletes in the school district. He was a 16-year member of the IADA and the NIAAA. He was instrumental in helping develop the Suburban Prairie Conference and held a variety of positions in the DuPage Valley Conference.
When not involved in an administrative capacity he helped facilitate the athletic programs of many schools in his area as a game official, refereeing for IHSA, NCAA, and NAIA events for thirty-eight years. This avocation led to his being inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002. From honored official to dedicated coach to respected athletic administrator, Marv Carlson has spent a professional lifetime achieving positive goals and serving the athletes and coaches under his charge – a career certainly worthy of his induction into the Illinois Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.
Improving the lives of young athletes by helping them develop self-esteem, work ethic and life skills to become productive citizens was the guiding principle in the exceptional career of Bob Naughton, athletic director and coach.
After completing an exemplary coaching tenure which included selection as the Chicago Tribune Coach of the Year (1965), as an inductee into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2000), as the Chicago Catholic League Man of the Year (1967) and as the Frank Leahy Award winner, he turned his energy and talent into improving the athletic program at New Trier High School – a 19-year commitment that increased that school’s athletic program to 29 sports and 89 levels of competition.
Applying the determination and extraordinary diligence that mirrored his tenure on the sideline, Bob guided New Trier High School athletics effectively and efficiently – tirelessly advocating additional opportunities for high school athletes. Girls interscholastic competition was still in its infancy when Bob became New Trier’s athletic director.
Working in league with his assistant, Lee Kennicke, he was able to enhance the overall program – providing a model for other school districts in the state. Under his leadership, New Trier High School produced 41 state championship teams. In the 1980’s, he became a leader in applying new technologies to assist in athletic administration and shared this valuable knowledge as a presenter at many workshops and athletic directors conventions. This service strengthened the connection with the Illinois Athletic Directors Association – a professional relationship that he approached with the same verve and attention to detail that marked his entire career.
In 2000, the New Trier High School Board of Education gave tribute to the coach, teacher and athletic director who had given so much of himself by naming the school’s football stadium “Robert Naughton Field”. This honor, which he lists as one of the highlights of his career, signifies the esteem with which he is held by his community. That esteem is echoed by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association which welcomes him into the Hall of Fame.
2004
Ron served as the athletic director for West Chicago for 20 years. He served at West Chicago from 1962-1993. He was an assistant in track, wrestling, basketball, baseball and football, and eventually head coach in baseball and football. He taught math and physical education during his tenure at West Chicago. Ron was the director of health and physical education for 16 years.
He was inducted into the West Chicago Hall of Honor in 1994. He was one of two original members selected to the Hall that year. John Highland, principal at West Chicago says, “Mr. Hansen was one of the most energetic, enthusiastic, positive individuals ever to walk the hallways of Community High School.”
Ron’s superintendent Richard Kamm states, “Three traits come to mind when I think of Ron: dedication, judgment and integrity. Ron’s success is due to the fact that he truly enjoyed being with students and coaches.”
Ron was one of eight original founders of the DuPage Valley Conference. He served as secretary and president of the conference during his tenure. Known as “Butch” to his friends, if there were any DVC questions or history items Butch was the person to ask.
Since retirement Ron has stayed busy. He currently is the chairman of the task force evaluation for St. John the Baptist School, while serving on their athletic board.
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Ron Hansen as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Bill started his teaching and coaching career in Peoria. He was the head football coach at Peoria Woodruff. Bill was very involved with the Illinois Football Coaches Association and even served as president. Then Bill started his athletic administration career serving from 1987-1992.
Bill has served the Illinois Athletic Directors Association in many capacities. He has been a conference chairman, president-elect, president, and a member of the IHSA athletic director advisory board, just to name of few at the state level. He has administrated the state cross country meet and boys volleyball tournaments. Bill, along with fellow inductees Jim Unrath and Doug Smith, came up with the idea for the IADA Hall of Fame program during their tenure together on the board.
At the national level he served on the certification committee. He received his CAA in 1992, was a delegate to the national convention three times and spoke at two national conventions.
Bill received the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year Award in 1998, while other awards he has received are too numerous to mention. He has also written numerous articles at the state and national level. Close friend and colleague Washington Bush says this of Bill, “His humor, understanding and passion for kids made him the best. He was always there for everyone through both good and bad times. Now Bill plays the role of the proud grandfather. He and his wife Carol enjoy their time between their two homes spoiling their grandchildren equally. Bill comes back to Illinois occasionally to see old friends and hold court with fellow athletic directors.
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Bill Sissel as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Phil served as athletic director at Argo High School for twenty-five years. To date this is the longest term of service for an athletic director in the SICA Conference. He also had the longest term of service at Argo High School – 41 years. Phil has been married 46 years to his wife Betty. They have four children and seven grandchildren.
He served the IADA as district representative for three years. He is currently co-chair of the retired athletic directors. He received an Outstanding Athletic Directors of the Year Award in 2000. He has managed numerous tournaments for the IHSA during his tenure.
He has held basically every position in the SICA Conference: secretary, president, and historian and served on their Board of Control. Locally he is very involved. Phil has been a McCook Park Administrator for 36 years and worked for their Little League for 22 years. He co-chaired the McCook 75th Anniversary.
While at Argo he coached football, baseball, and was head boys track coach prior to becoming athletic director. Under Phil’s direction the gymnasiums were renovated, the baseball, football, soccer, and softball fields were developed, and a new 8 lane track was put in.
Frank Stout, Principal writes, “As athletic director he encouraged all his athletes to give one-hundred percent all the time and win with grace and dignity and lose with dignity. His attention to detail has made the coach’s job easier.”
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Phil Svetich as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Jim served as athletic director at United Township High School for 18 years. Jim has always been a very active member whether in school, in his community, or with his church. He gives his all and it shows with the work he leaves behind.
His service to the IADA has been exemplary as he served as division liaison, IADA executive board member, secretary, president, hospitality chairman – three times, Hall of Fame Committee member, and Mentoring Developing Committee member. Jim, along with fellow inductee Doug Smith, came up with the idea for the IADA Hall of Fame Program during their tenure together on the board. His service to the IHSA includes serving on the Wrestling and Athletic Advisory Boards. He served as the IADA liaison to the IHSA Board of Directors as well being on the All-State Academic Selection Committee for three years and the Sportsmanship Ad Hoc Committee. He ran the state wrestling tournament for three years. At the local level he was on the Quad Cities Sports Commission for eight years and served as the East Moline Youth Exchange Officer for 11 years. He founded a Booster Club that raised over one million dollars for all extracurricular activities.
Principal Leo Johnson states, “He has been a major influence in my life, and I have watched him do the same for many coaches of all sports and activities.”
Some of Jim’s numerous awards include Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 1991 and the NIAAA State Award of Merit in 1995. Jim has been very involved at the national level, serving on committees and receiving his CAA in the inaugural group. He has also presented at several National Conventions.
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Jim Unrath as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Gary Woods’ whole career was spent in Normal. He worked at both the junior highs and high schools finishing his career opening up the new Normal West High School. Gary served as athletic director while at each building.
At the high school level he coached football, tennis, track, basketball, and baseball. He taught business before assuming his athletic director duties full time. He started teaching in 1968 and retired from Normal West in 2001.
Several honors have been bestowed upon Gary: Bloomington-Normal Intercity High School Honoree (1996), Big 12 Outstanding Contributor (2001), State Board Those Who Excel (2001), and IHSA Outstanding Contribution (1998), just to name a few.
His service to the IADA has been that of a Liaison, Executive Board Member, District Representative as well as writing several articles for the IADA journal. He has served the IHSA in the capacity of state boys golf manager, Sportsmanship Committee member, has hosted numerous state level tournaments, and served on the Media Advisory Committee. At the local level he started a coaching intern program along with an increased number of coaches along with salary increases. He added girls sports, and reestablished the elementary sports program through the YMCA.
Marty Hickman, IHSA Executive Director, states, “Gary was the type of athletic director the IHSA could count on to host activities.You always knew the events he hosted would be better than anyone expected.” The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Gary Woods as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
2003
Gene served as the athletic director for 24 years at Cobden High School. He was the head boys basketball coach from 1965 until 1989 and the head softball coach from 1992 until 1999.
Gene served on the original committee to create and organize the IADA Hall of Fame and also on the IADA committee to update and rewrite the constitution and by-laws. Gene was the IADA Historian for 6 years. He was on the Conference Committee seven times and served as a district representative six times.
Gene was honored as the Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 1984 and 1985 and the Class A Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 1988.
Being the athletic director in a small community, Gene knew how important the appearance of his building, fields and teams were to his town. He made sure people understood “Appleknocker Pride” even if it meant extra hours on his part.
Gene served on the Village Board of Cobden for two terms and as mayor for two terms.
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Gene Dammerman as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
James served as the athletic director at Urbana High School for 12 years. While at Urbana he spent 23 years coaching football, basketball and track. In 1997 he was inducted into the Urbana High School Hall of Fame.
While at Urbana Jim raised over $300,000 in private donations for a much needed all-weather track. During his tenure he oversaw a multimillion dollar construction project of new athletic facilities. He revolutionized the athletic office at Urbana during his tenure with the various innovations he brought into the program. He retired from Urbana after 35 years in education.
During his years as an athletic administrator he has served the Association in various functions: IADA division liaison, District Representative, and Conference Committee member just to name a few. Jim was honored as the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 1993 and 1997. He served the IHSA on their Athletic Director Advisory Committee and hosted numerous tournaments on their behalf.
Outside of athletics Jim was active in the Kiwanis and singing in a barbershop quartet. He was the Illinois Barbershopper of the Year in 1991.
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have James Graham as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Noree was the assistant athletic director at Glenbard East for 20 years and the athletic director for seven years. She was involved in the growth of the athletic program at Glenbard East and the DuPage Valley Conference.
Noree was actively involved in the 1960’s and the 70’s with DGWS. Their work significantly contributed to the development of girls sports in the state of Illinois.
She was inducted into the Illinois Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991 for her efforts in this area.
She served the IADA as its membership chairperson and also as a member of the Mentor Program and she earned her CAA. In 1998 Noree was honored as one of the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Directors of the Year. She served the IHSA on an Action Team for Non-school Participation as well as on a Sportsmanship Committee.
While at Glenbard East, it has been said of Noree that her philosophy was “Commitment, Sportsmanship, Integrity.” She believes in putting the welfare of the kids first. With her staff she always offered one question, “What can I do for you?”
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Noree Mares as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Greg was the assistant athletic director at Granite City for six years and the athletic director for 12 years. Greg served the IADA in a variety of capacities. He was the historian for three years, the treasurer for two years, assistant conference chairperson, state conference assistant corporate chairperson and state conference liaison. Greg received the IADA Distinguished Service Award in 1996. He served on the IHSA Sports Advisory committee and was a member of the IHSA legislative committee. He hosted numerous events and tournaments for the IHSA.
Greg was instrumental in bridging the gap between the north and the south in the organization of the IADA. Ross Truemper states, “Informally, I remember Greg’s efforts to bring the IADA state conference south. His leadership was certainly recognized by the IHSA and the IADA, as he was appointed to various committees.”
Marty Hickman, IHSA executive director states, “Greg was instrumental in organizing the first-ever IHSA Boys Class A State Final Soccer Tournament at SIU-Edwardsville. He is organized, dedicated and has great interpersonal skills.
Greg is now the principal at Granite City.
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Greg Patton as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Ross was the athletic director at Wheaton Central for six years and the athletic director at Naperville Central for four and a half years.
Ross is credited, along with others, for developing a new relationship between the IHSA and the IADA. Some of the most notable accomplishments are having seven athletic administrators placed on the IHSA legislative commission, an athletic director liaison position placed on the IHSA board of directors and working with the NIAAA to develop a handbook that profiled the positive and necessary qualities of an athletic administrator.
Ross held numerous positions within the IADA: conference registration chair, conference chair, member services chair, president, and mentoring committee member to name a few.
In 1988 Ross received his CAA. In 1989 he received the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year Award. He also received the NIAAA State Award of Merit in 1992 and the NIAAA Service Award in 1994. He has presented at numerous state and national conferences.
Neil McCauley, athletic director at Naperville North, states, “Ross treats students, parents, coaches and everyone with respect and fairness.”
The Illinois Athletic Directors Association is proud to have Ross Truemper as a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
2002
Paul served as the athletic director for 23 years at St. Charles. He retired from St. Charles after 38 years in education. Paul guided St. Charles from the Little 7 Conference to the Upstate Eight. Once the move was made Paul started increasing levels and developing a girls sports program at St. Charles. Paul was the head coach in track and cross country as well as assisting in football, baseball and basketball.
During his years as an athletic administrator he attended every state conference. He served on the IHSA soccer advisory board for four years. Paul was honored as the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 1988. He was inducted into the St. Charles hall of Fame in 1994.
One of Paul’s major accomplishments was the development of the athletic facilities at St. Charles. He developed an athletic program with marginal success into one of the top rated programs in the Chicago area.
John retired from Salem High School in June of 2001 after 38 years in education. During this time he was a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. His love for his students, athletes and his community were evident to those who worked with him on a daily basis.
John attended every state conference since 1975. He was membership chairman for the IADA for three years, served on five different state conference committees and was the IADA representative to the IHSA athletic director advisory board. He has received the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year Award.
“John has been and continues to be a positive and inspirational leader for high school athletics in Illinois. He has touched the lives of thousands of student-athletes throughout Illinois through his vigilant efforts to support and improve all student activities through his involvement in the Illinois High School Association,” says Salem Superintendent Cliff Cobert.
Ron was the athletic director at Hoffman Estates from 1979 until 1988 and the athletic director at Glenbrook South from 1988 until his retirement in 1994.
Ron started as an excellent athlete and coach. He was a member of the 1955 Blue Island State track and field championship team. He was a member of the state champion 880-yard relay team. He went on to be a four- year letterwinner at SIU. He was a two-time captain and MVP. While coaching at Evanston, he led them to four state championships. Ron had 16 state champions and three national record holders.
He received the Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year Award in 1989.
Ron was the exhibit chairperson for our state conference three times. He was the program chairman for the 1989 state convention. He was a speaker at the national conference in 1985.
People describe Ron as “class act”. He always set high standards for himself, his coaches and athletes. He was a valuable mentor to his coaches and fellow administrators.
Bill was the athletic director at Wheaton North for 23 years. Prior to his retirement the gymnasium at Wheaton North was named in his honor. During his career he coached football, basketball, softball, volleyball and track.
Bill worked on many IHSA and IADA committees. He more than tripled the athletic opportunities while at Wheaton North. When he started there were 25 levels of competition; when he retired there were 85. He provided the DuPage Valley Conference with outstanding leadership. During his tenure, Wheaton North hosted numerous events for the IHSA.
One common statement said about Bill was that regardless of the situation it was kids first. Many people who have worked with Bill have said not only is he a good mentor and teacher, but the most important thing is the friendship they received through that relationship.
Bob Hoppenstedt shares some of the lessons he learned from Bill: The highest wisdom is kindness, anger is one letter short of danger, in acceptance there is peace, and many people will walk in and out of our lives, but only a few true friends will leave footprints in our heart.
2001
Dave served as athletic director at Hinsdale South from 1982 until 1994. Upon his retirement he continued his athletic administrative involvement by serving at Holy Cross High School from 1994 until 1996. He greatly improved the facilities at Hinsdale South during his tenure. Dave was considered one of the leaders and an excellent resource person for the West Suburban Conference.
He was an extremely active member of our state association. He served as hospitality chairman, raffle chairman, 1990 conference chair, NIAAA liaison for three years, served as a delegate for Illinois at the national convention, along with being chosen as Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 1992.
He was very active at the national level of which he is a lifetime member. He is certified athletic administrator and was the chairman of the membership services committee. He helped develop the plan for a lifetime membership to the NIAAA. He remains active with the retired athletic directors assisting in their 50/50 raffle at national conventions.
Doug served as the athletic director for 15 years at Belvidere and at Palatine for six years. He was considered one of the leaders in the NIC-9. While at Palatine he continued to improve athletic facilities, the school won five sportsmanship banners, and he continued to be a very active member of the Mid-Suburban Conference.
Doug has served as a secretary, state conference chairman and president of our association. He received the Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year Award in 1985 and the NIAAA State Award of Merit in 1991. He served on the NIAAA Credentials Committee for six years, as well as being a presider twice and representing Illinois as a delegate three times.
Doug has served as a mentor to many current athletic directors in our association. He is responsible for creating better communication between the IHSA and athletic administrators. He helped developed the current mentoring program, improved our journal, and most notably was a driving force in getting our division liaison position created. He had a true and genuine passion for his job during his tenure. His efforts not only benefited the coaches and students he worked with but our association as well. He never asked for nor wanted recognition; he simply wanted things around him to be better.
Lee served as the athletic director at Princeville for 23 years. During this time he was also active in coaching various sports. Lee is responsible for the development of Princeville athletics as we know it today.
Whether it is the facilities, programs or fundraising activities, all of these have been created or directed by Lee. He took great pride in his work for his school and community. He has never been one to care about personal recognition. He epitomized what an athletic administrator should be. He made sure things were done right and done well, and his school teams were always respected not only athletically but also in regards to sportsmanship.
He received four Class A Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year awards. He was a member of the IADA executive board for five years as our publicity chairman. He also served our association as the hospitality chairman.
Swede served as the district athletic director for Harlem High School for 16 years. He is responsible for creating the current girls athletic program at Harlem. Swede was considered one of the leaders of the Northern Illinois Conference during his tenure. He was responsible for reorganizing the conference in the late ’70s when several schools had to eliminate sports and then eventually returned to the conference. His efforts helped keep the Northern Illinois Conference intact.
He has served as a speaker at numerous state and national conventions as well as authoring several articles, which benefited fellow athletic directors.
He served on the IHSA tennis advisory committee for three years along with hosting numerous events for our state association.
He received the IADA State Award of Merit in 1991. He received the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year Award in 1990. Swede is most remembered for his effort in the production of our journal. He helped develop articles for various athletic administrators that were shared around the state on various topics. Due to his efforts with our state journal it became a model which was copied by other state athletic associations throughout the country.
2000
Lloyd was born in 1933 in Houston, Missouri. In high school he was a four-sport athlete and helped lead his basketball team to the state tournament. He went to the University of Missouri at Columbia on a basketball scholarship. He was a catcher on the 1954 Mizzou baseball team that went to the National College World Series.
After graduating from Missouri, he would return to receive a master’s degree. He started teaching and coaching at Fredricktown, Missouri. After six years he moved to Belleville. In 1966 he became the athletic director at East which was a new school at the time. He developed the programs and hired the coaches that started a rich tradition of athletic success at Belleville East.
He attended the first IADA meeting in Dundee. He served our association as the secretary/ treasurer. In 1971 he became the president of the association. During this time he was involved in many issues that we see in our high school athletic system today: class basketball, changes in dates for various activities related to length of season, planning for state football championships, and helped develop positive relations between the athletic directors and the IHSA.
He is a member of the University of Missouri Athletic Hall of Fame, inducted in 1966. He and his wife, Mary, were given the outstanding citizen award in 1998 by the Belleville Jaycees for their volunteer work in the community.
Murney served as the athletic director at Lyons Township from 1975 until 1991. Murney has played an important role in high school athletics during his career, not only as a coach but also as a high school athletic administrator.
Murney was one of the top football coaches not only in the state but also in the country during his tenure. His overall record was 133 wins, 17 losses and four ties. He is currently a member of the Illinois Football Coaches Hall of Fame and Illinois Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. He served as the grand marshall for the state wrestling meet in 1988. He served as an official for the IHSA State Wrestling Meet nine times, the Big Ten Wrestling Championships ten times and the NCAA Wrestling Championships four times. He served as wrestling rules interpreter for nine years.
He was selected as one of the IADA Outstanding Athletic Directors of the Year in 1989. He was a speaker at the IADA state convention on four different occasions. He presented at the NIAAA national conventions four times. In 1989 he received the National Federation Citation of Excellence.
He chaired the initial committee for the NIAAA that developed our current CAA exam. Murney himself became a CAA in the inaugural class of 1988. He received his CAA lifetime certification in 1994. He regards this service as one of his most satisfying athletic administrative experiences.
Ed Murphy was born in 1922 and raised on the south side of Chicago. He attended Tulane University on a football scholarship. WWII interrupted his career and after the service he attended Loras College. After graduating from Loras in 1947, Ed had several teaching and coaching jobs until 1963 when he came to Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. He was instrumental in starting the drivers education program at Eisenhower.
In 1967 Ed moved to H.L. Richards High School, becoming athletic director in 1970. He was a member of a group of individuals who originated what is now the SICA Conference (32 member schools in 2000). He is the only individual who served three terms as president of the conference.
Ed received the Hall of Fame Award from the Chicago chapter of the National Football Foundation for his 35 years of service to high school athletics. He is a member of the Mt. Carmel High School High School Hall of Fame. He served as vicepresident of the IADA and was named one of its Outstanding Athletic Directors of the Year in 1985.
Ed Murphy’s gift was his ability to bring people together. His storytelling was legendary. It is believed by some that Ed was an Irish leprechaun. Ed, along with fellow hall of fame inductee Jim Smarjesse, brought athletic directors from all over together just to hear the stories.
Don served as the Amboy Unit School District athletic director from 1977 until 1991. Don currently serves as the Amboy Junior High School principal. He received his undergraduate and graduate degree from Illinois State University. He received his administrative certificate from Northern Illinois in 1982. Don began his teaching and coaching career at Tinley Park before coming to Amboy in 1974.
While serving as athletic director he initiated fundraisers that helped build a $40,000 weight room. He helped pass an educational referendum in his district in 1984. His service to his school and community is still evident today. Mike McCracken, current Amboy athletic director, states, “Don has meant more to the community than a list can show. He has brought Amboy a long list of successes that make sports what they should be. Don has hundreds of former players, students, fans and coaches that can testify to the fact they were lucky to be in Amboy when Don Wyzgowski was here.”
He served the IADA as a district representative, hospitality chairman and exhibit chairperson. In 1991 he was named our Association’s Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year. He received our association’s Distinguished Service Award in 1996.
1999
Warren was the athletic director at Octavia-Colfax High School for 24 years. His service to school, community, and our state organization has been greatly appreciated by those who have had the opportunity to work with or know him.
His direction shaped the lives of many young people in the community as he served as the head coach for football and track, and assistant basketball coach. During his tenure he added a girls sports program plus the sports of wrestling and golf for the boys program.
Warren was a member of the IADA throughout his athletic administrative career. In 1974, he served the association as the vice-president in charge of publicity. This is a position he would hold for four years. That same year he also served as a district representative. Then in 1976 he became the historian for the IADA and the following year he served as our secretary.
Warren was the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 1983. In 1979 he was inducted into the Illinois Football Coaches Hall of Fame and in 1995 he was inducted into the Bloomington-Normal Officials Hall of Fame. In 1975 he received the Illinois High Coaches Association Award of Recognition.
Warren, along with Bob Frank and Hank Kaiser, is credited with promoting the Illinois Athletic Director Association in Central Illinois. People such as Warren Cooper helped build our association into a statewide professional organization. His involvement with athletics, our association, and student-athletes is greatly appreciated. It is our honor as an association to recognize these efforts.
George served as an athletic administrator for over 28 years, 1958-1972 at Rich High School and 1972-1994 at Rich South High School. His service to the field of athletics as an administrator, coach and teacher has been recognized across the state. George’s passion for athletics and the important role he felt it played in young people’s lives was evident during any conversation with his colleagues.
During his career he served as head football coach, head wrestling coach, head baseball coach, as well as being an assistant in track. His career started in 1956 at Bloomington Central Catholic High School. He was at Central for two years until the Rich School District became his home until his retirement in 1994.
While at Rich and Rich South he established numerous tournaments that have been recognized as the best in their sport over the years. Some of those tournaments include the Rocket Wrestling Tournament at Rich High School, The Hercules and Taurus the Bull Wrestling Tournaments at Rich South, along with the Big Dipper Basketball Tournament.
In 1989, he received the NIAAA State Award of Merit. He has been inducted into the Illinois Football Coaches Hall of Fame as well as the Illinois State University Hall of Fame. In 1987 he received the special commendation award from the IADA for his dedication and service to his athletic director colleagues.
His service to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association included being program chairman and assistant program chairman. He served as a speaker at three state conferences as well as a speaking engagement at one national conference. However, he will be most remembered for establishing the awards format that is used today for honoring the Class A & AA outstanding athletic directors of the year. George served as the IADA awards chairperson for nine years.
George served as an athletic administrator for 24 years. Five of those years were at Marshall, while the remaining were at Prospect until his retirement in 1984. George was an active member not only within his school but also his community. He was a member of the Mt. Prospect Lions Club, where he held the offices of president, vice-president and treasurer. George was an active member of the American Legion and he served our country in WWII and was a Purple Heart recipient. He also served as a member of the Mt. Prospect police and fire commission. He helped establish the Prospect Athletic Boosters Club.
He served our association as its vice-president in 1968 and was the IADA president during the 1969-1970 school year. During that same year he was a speaker at the NIAAA conference. He was an active member of the NCSSAD and served on their executive board in 1975. In 1974 he received the IADA Outstanding Service Award.
In 1975 he was chosen as the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year. The following year he was given the same award by the NCSSAD. In 1981, he received the Illinois District 3 Athletic Director of the Year from IAPHERD as well as its quarter century award. George remained active within the association and assisted the awards committee in developing the criteria to be used in choosing our athletic directors of the year.
George passed away in 1993. His contributions to the field of athletics toward his school, community, conference, and state organization will never be forgotten. It is our honor as an association to recognize these efforts.
Rod graduated from Marengo High School in 1950, then returned as a teacher and coach in 1957.
He stayed for 37 more years until his retirement in 1994. Twenty six of those years he served as the athletic director (1968-1994).
Rod graduated from Valparaiso University where he was an outstanding football player. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Colorado and also served our country in the United States Army for two years.
During his years of service at Marengo, he helped expand their athletic program from four sports to 14 upon his retirement. He is responsible for the implementation of the girls athletic programs and planned the new outdoor athletic facilities that currently exist at Marengo High School. Rod served as the head varsity football coach from 1957-1979, where he won over 70 percent of his games. In 1989, he was inducted into the Illinois Football Coaches Hall of Fame.
He was a finalist for the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year three times in 1984, 1987 and 1990. He served on the athletic advisory committee of the IHSA and was on the original committee that explored the feasibility of a football playoff system. He also served a three-year term on the IHSA liaison committee. He belonged to the IADA for 23 years.
Those who had the opportunity to work with or work for Rod use one word to describe him and that is “gentleman.” He influenced the lives of many players, coaches, and fellow athletic administrators during his years of service in education. On September 10th, 1993, the Marengo School Board honored him by naming the outdoor athletic facilities the “Rod Poppe Athletic Fields”.
1998
Chic was the athletic director at Palatine High School for 19 years (1969-1988). Under his leadership, Palatine High School’s physical education and athletic programs gained recognition in the northwest suburbs and in the state of Illinois for their integrity, competitiveness and school spirit.
During his career, Chic was actively involved in those professional associations dealing with athletics and physical education. He was an active participant for the IAPHERD at the state and national level throughout his career. He received every honor the IAHPERD (Illinois Association for Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) had to offer. Those included but are not limited to: Presidents Gavel, Quarter Century Award, Service Award and Presidential Citation to name a few. He served the Illinois High School Association as a member of the GAA advisory board, athletic director advisory board, was a head timer at the boys state track meet for nine years, and ran the IHSA state gymnastic meet for 12 years.
Chic has also received numerous awards in the field of athletic administration.
In 1973 he received the Outstanding Service Award from the NFSHSAD, one of six awarded nationwide. In 1979, he was chosen as the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year. In 1982, he was chosen as the National High School Coaches Association Athletic Director of the Year.
Upon his retirement in 1988, the Palatine High School football and soccer Stadium was renamed the “Chic Anderson Stadium.”
Dee was at the original organizational meeting for the Illinois Athletic Directors Association in 1964 held in Champaign. Dee also worked with athletic administrators from his home state of Indiana in the organizing and formation of the Indiana Athletic Directors Association. He served as our association’s secretary/treasurer during the 1971-1972 and 1972-1973 school years. In 1974-1975, he served as the president of our association.
Dee has been an innovator and has been involved at the ground level for a variety of athletic events. He was on the original committee for the IHSA for the establishment of a state soccer tournament. He also assisted the IHSA in the preparation of their original Title IX policy statement. While at Oak Park-River Forest he created the Oak Park relays, one of the largest track events in the state (over 1700 athletes participated in this one-day event.) He directed the Proviso West Holiday Tournament for six years. This tournament is not only considered one of the best in the state, but also in the country.
“His dedication and leadership was always exemplified with enthusiasm and class,” states former Glenbard South athletic director Marv Carlson. “Dee Compton is blessed with so many qualities such as dedication to his assignments, loyalty to his supervisors, a tremendous amount of energy, an abundant knowledge of athletics, and is extremely talented in organizational ability,” states Howard Catt, former athletic director of Indianapolis Public Schools
Frank served as the athletic administrator at Downers Grove South for 18 years (1969- 1987). Frank was a hands-on administrator becoming involved at local, state and national levels. Frank is credited with bringing the national athletic directors convention to Chicago in 1987. His organization for this event involved athletic directors from all parts of the state and remains a source of pride in IADA history.
He served on the NIAAA board of directors where he was a respected voice. He encouraged other Illinois athletic directors to become involved at the national level by serving on committees, writing articles and showing the strength and professionalism of our state association. He was a member of our IADA executive board from 1978-1987. He held numerous positions: treasurer, conference chairman, district representative and president during the 1983-1984 school year. His involvement at the state and national level earned him numerous honors such as: NCSSAD Midwest Athletic Director of the Year – 1986, IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year – 1986, National Federation Citation – 1985, and the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award – 1980.
“Frank is one of those rare individuals that brings dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude to his job every day. Frank always finds the good in the people, and does everything in his power to help people around him find success,” states District 99 assistant superintendent James Freese. “One area in which Frank influenced me was with one of his all important phrases – ‘Reciprocal Dignity.’ This meant that I was to treat others the way I wanted to be treated,” states Downers Grove South coach Paul Runyon.
Ward was involved in the field of education for 38 years. The first seven years were at Lyndon High School and the next 31 years at Antioch High School, 30 of those as the athletic director (1956-1987).
Ward was involved in athletics during a time of change and innovation. Antioch High School offered four sports his first year; they had twenty sports when he retired. While at Antioch he added wrestling, golf, cross country, and soccer to the boys athletic program. He created the entire girls athletic program (eleven sports) along with the additional budget and monetary items needed to successfully run those programs.
At the state level, Ward was a common fixture at IHSA and IADA activities. He has worked the IHSA state wrestling meet for the last 31 years. He has served as an announcer, timer and scorer. He hosted numerous IHSA tournaments. He served on the IHSA erestling advisory board from 1985-1987. The IADA was lucky to have such an involved member as Ward. He served as a district representative, convention presenter, 1983 program chairman, and in 1985 he was chosen as the IADA Athletic Director of The Year.
At the national level, Ward presented at the national convention three times and worked on the set-up committee in 1987, when the national convention was held in Chicago.
Ward may have retired from athletic administration in 1987, but he remained active with the IADA, IHSA and the NIAAA. He served on the IADA executive board as the retired athletic director liaison, chaired the NIAAA 50/50 raffle, continued to volunteer at state tournaments, and wrote numerous articles for the IADA and IHSA newsletters. Many athletic directors today are successful due to the fact that Ward Lear tutored them.
Gene served as athletic director at United Township for 16 years (1967-1983). The mention of his name in the Quad Cities still brings smiles to people’s faces.
He was president of the IADA during the 1973-1974 school year. He was selected as the IADA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year that very same year. Gene was chosen as the chairman of the original IHSA football playoff committee. Through his leadership and the committee’s effort the foundation for the IHSA football playoffs was established.
Gene was also an active member in the National Council for Secondary Schools Athletic Directors. He served on their board of directors from 1977 until 1982. He was inducted into the NCSSAD National Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 1992. He was a member of the NIAAA from 1967 to 1984.
“Gene McCarter was among the best in Illinois. His leadership and integrity are legendary in Western Illinois. Gene always stood on the principle of PLAY HARD, BUT FAIR. He was an inspiration to all he had contact with,” states current United Township Athletic Director Jim Unrath.
“Gene McCarter was a man of integrity. He was a true gentleman in every way possible. He was a man who lived his life in the truest sense as a man of God. They come no finer than Gene McCarter,” states Reverend Daniel Mirabelli of Rock Island Alleman High School.
Gene McCarter is truly missed by all that knew him.
1997
Jerry Curtis served the Decatur public schools for 37 years, from 1951 to 1988. In 1957 he was a member of the original staff that opened Decatur MacArthur High School. In 1971 Jerry became the athletic director at MacArthur. He served in this position until his retirement in 1988.
Jerry’s involvement with the IADA began in 1977, when he served as the assistant hospitality chairman for both the state and national conventions. He also chaired the hospitality committee in 1978. At the 1980 state convention in Peoria he served as the assistant exhibits chairman and as the state conference manager at the 1982 convention in Decatur. He was the secretary of the association during the 1983-1984 school year and served on the IHSA athletic advisory committee for three years (1985-1987).
In 1983 he was chosen as one of the five Outstanding Athletic Directors of the Year. In 1990 he was honored as an inductee into the Bloomington-Normal Athletic Officials Hall of Fame.
“Jerry had an excellent relationship with the students, teachers, and coaches at MHS. They knew that he really cared about what he was doing and they responded in a like manner.
The Decatur community can be proud of the contributions Jerry has made to the thousands of young people who were lucky enough to call him Coach,” stated former MacArthur Principal Marian Fax.
Bob has a long list of teaching, coaching and administrative experiences. He began at Joy High School where he coached all sports, including the junior high, and was the district athletic director (1952-1958). At Sherrard High School he was the varsity basketball coach for 20 years and obtained over 370 victories in his career. Bob also served as dean of students, and was the athletic director for 27 years.
Bob served the Illinois Athletic Directors Association for numerous years as a district representative. He served as the president of the Corn Belt, Valley, and Olympic conferences. In 1986 he was honored at the Illinois Athletic Directors Association state convention as one of five Class A athletic directors of the year.
“Bob had a distinguished career at Sherrard for over 30 years. His efforts were tireless. He was always available to deal with students, coaches and parents. It was Bob’s ability which allowed us to keep our programs intact. Bob’s foresight and planning allowed us to to operate on a shoestring budget and maintain our programs until we were able to resume normal budgeting procedures. He is a highly respected member of our community; whenever there is a need, people look for Bob Jackson,” states Sherrard Principal Harry Hunt.
To know Bob is to know a class individual who was considered strict, but fair with students and coaches, and competitive with a high expectation of sportsmanship. This was reflected in the Sherrard athletic programs.
The majority of Carlin’s service was to the community of Lisle. Carlin held the position of athletic director for 23 years where he was also responsible for the junior high athletic programs. The last four years of his career he was the superintendent of the Lisle District.
Carlin served as our association’s president twice, 1980-1981 and 1981-1982. He was the first Class A athletic administrator to serve as our president. His accomplishments with the IADA included: improvement of the IADA journal, establishment of the 5-State Exchange (Illinois was the first host in 1980), improved communication with assistant and female athletic directors, and increased state involvement from Class A athletic administrators.
Current Lisle Athletic Director Ken Jakalski states, “His first and foremost priority is doing whatever it takes to promote programs and provide a positive competitive experience for as many kids as possible.” Upon his retirement the local newspaper stated, “Carlin personified a quality that the Lisle School District has always shown an ability to change with the times while still maintaining the human touch. He was the roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work sort, an old fashioned leader who knew the most important part of any organization is the people who work for it.”
Carlin has received numerous honors during his involvement with high school athletics.
In 1984, he was chosen the NHSACA National Athletic Director of the Year. In 1984 Carlin was selected to the Illinois Football Coaches Hall of Fame and in 1985 to the Illinois Track Coaches Hall of Fame. In 1996 he was inducted into the NASPE/NCSSAD Hall of Fame.
John began his athletic administrative career at Schaumburg High School, where he served from 1970 until 1980. In 1980 until his retirement in 1992, John was the director of student activities for District 211. His responsibilities included the supervision of all student activities at Palatine, Palatine Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Hoffman Estates Conant, and Schaumburg High Schools.
John’s involvement with the IADA began immediately in 1970 as the co-chairman of that year’s state convention. He was the ad book chairman for three years, held the secretary and treasurer positions for four years, was the NIAAA liaison for two years, and culminated as the president during the 1982-1983 school year. Numerous honors have been bestowed upon John. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1980, Elgin Hall of Fame in 1982, Elgin St. Edward High School Hall of Fame in 1984, and received the NIAAA Award of Merit in 1988.
“John had the rare experience of opening a new high school. He made arrangements with the park district for fields, gym space, and time slots for athletic events. We had no home events until the early part of 1970. John did an excellent job of bringing everything together during our first year of operation,” states former Schaumburg Principal Carl Weimer.
“John is a natural leader. He is modest, yet confident. He is able to motivate others toward the achievement of mutually identified goals. While John was in charge the five athletic departments in District 211 were run with dignity and class…a direct reflection of him,” states former Dist. 211 Superintendent Richard Kolze.
Jim came to Woodstock in 1968 as the head varsity boys basketball coach. In 1972 he became the district-wide athletic director where he served until his retirement in 1988. Jim was responsible for the creation of the entire girls athletic program at Woodstock High School. Jim served the Illinois Athletic Directors Association as a district representative for many years. Jim served for three years on the IHSA football advisory committee and was a two-time presenter at the national convention.
Jim became one of the early athletic directors who had to rely on fundraising and athletic fees to support his programs. Fundraising responsibilities became a main priority for Jim in the 1980s. In 1983, with the possible elimination of all athletics in Woodstock, his organization of the Backers’ Club Walkathon saved the athletics that year by raising over $100,000 and completely funding the programs. The most notable of his fundraisers is the Blue Streak Open which was formed in 1981. This golf outing is still held today and has been copied by athletic departments and booster clubs throughout the country.
“Jim was continuously pressured to increase revenue in order to operate his programs, and this was during reasonably good budget years. Despite significant financial obstacles, the interscholastic program at Woodstock remained the envy of most school districts in the area. Jim must be given a considerable amount of credit for maintaining a highly successful program during times when many others would have given up. As an official, parent, and high school principal in two different states, Jim Shipley is second to none,” states former Woodstock principal Gary Fields.
1996
Don became involved with the association in 1966. He presented at the state conference five times, was the vice-president three times, co-program chairman for three state conventions, served on the nominating committee numerous times, along with being on the executive board as the retired athletic director liaison. In 1986 he was chosen as the Class A Athletic Director of the Year.
Upon his retirement in 1992 Superintendent Ron Yates said, “In his 30-year association with Pontiac High School, Don has had more influence over the lives of our young people than any other single individual. His leadership has been a positive force for the young people of our community.”
Jack Stromberg had this to say about Don: “Don is a hard-working athletic director who dedicated his working days to the betterment of education and physical activity for the youth of his school. He is well organized, cooperative and firm in his philosophy. He is a man of high ideals, a fine family man, and a Christian gentlemen.”
Emery was involved at the original Athletic Directors Association Meeting in 1965. Emery is credited with being the author of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association Constitution. He served as the vicepresident the first two years of the organization.
Emery came to Proviso East in August 1957, succeeding Dr. Leslie W. Remley as director of athletics. For ten years prior to that he had been head football coach and instructor of physical education at Elgin High School.
In all, Emery completed 36 years of service to the youth of Illinois, including teaching physical education and science at Cerro Gordo High School from 1937-1941. He taught physical education, health and was athletic director at Marengo High School from 1941-1947. He also served as athletic officer and captain of a tank destroyer in the US Army from 1942-1946.
Bob became the athletic director for both junior and senior high schools for Bloomington Public Schools in 1964. He remained at Bloomington until his passing on July 8, 1989.
Bob was involved at the original Athletic Directors Association Meeting in 1965. Bob also served as vicepresident the first two years of the organization. He was president of our association during the 1967-1968 school year. In 1978 he was the co-chairman for the state convention in Peoria. In 1984 Bob was chosen as the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year.
Bob’s efforts were also recognized at the national level; he was chosen by the National Council of Secondary Schools Athletic Directors as their athletic director of the year. He was a charter member of the NCSSAD. Bob represented the IADA in Washington on a seminar on high school athletics.
Former superintendent of Bloomington High School, Dr. George C. Stimeling said, “I have never known a person as dedicated as Robert Frank in striving to provide all students with the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.” Bob, along with Hank Kaiser of Normal, is credited with organizing Central Illinois athletic directors to become involved in the state association.
Harry Gaines
Mattoon High School
Inducted 1996
Harry was involved at the original athletic director association meeting in 1965. He served as a vice-president the first year of the organization, He was the second president of our organization during the 1966-67 school year. In 1972, Harry was chosen as the “Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year.” Harry is credited with the promotion of membership to the state association. Through is efforts our association gained the steam needed to become a viable professional organization in the area of athletics.
During his tenure as athletic directors he is created with creating the Mattoon High School All-Sports center building. Through his efforts along with donated labor, not one penny of taxpayers money was spent on this project. Harry said it best about Mattoon, “Everyday I went to work at Mattoon and it was like Christmas, I loved every minute of it.” Harry Gaines graduated from Mattoon High School in 1934 and the University of Illinois in 1938, Harry was captain of the 1938 University of Illinois track team. He held records in the 600 and 1,00 yard runs while at Illinois. During the 1937 Cross Country Season, he was a member of the Illinois National Championship Team.
Harry is a member of the Mattoon Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Harry passed away in 1996 just prior to his induction to the Directors Hall of Fame.
He came to Normal Community High School in 1960 and he served as athletic director from 1965 to 1983. Hank, along with Bob Frank of Bloomington, is credited with organizing the Central Illinois Athletic Directors to become involved in the state association.
He served as president of the association during the 1977-1978 school year. In 1982, Hank was chosen as the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year. He served as the secretary/treasurer in 1967-1968 and again in 1975-1976, along with being a district representative for several years. Hank served on the executive board as the first retired athletic director liaison in 1985-1986.
He is credited with the promotion and development of Bloomington-Normal athletic programs along with their youth programs. Hank helped create Central Illinois athletic programs as a leader and innovator in regards to high school athletics.
Hank was one of the original pioneers of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association. We owe him a debt of gratitude and truly appreciate everything he did for high school athletics. Hank Kaiser passed away on May 4, 1988. He is truly missed.
Ralph Krupke
Lake Park High School
Inducted 1996
Ralph stated teaching in 1959 and spent his entire career at Lake Park High School. During his career he always taught at least two classes along with his other responsibilities. He served as the athletic director from 1964 until his retirement in 1992. Ralph is credited with promoting the importance of the state association during the 1980’s. Ralph was president of our association in 1985. In 1983 he was the recipient of the “Class AA outstanding Athletic Director of the Year.”
In 1984, Ralph was chosen by National Council of Secondary School Athletic Directors “Midwest Athletic Director of the Year.” The National Federation gave Ralph it highest award in 1984 by bestowing on him the “National Federation Citation.” He served as the head bench at the IHSA state wrestling meet since 1964. He also held that same position for the NJCAA wrestling tournament for 1984-1989 and the NCAA wrestling finals in 1970. He also served as the assistant clerk of the course for the IHSA State Track Meet from 1966-72.
Ralph was a firm believer in community involvement. He has worked as an advisor to local park district programs, fire, and police training programs, chaired the Roselle Swim Organization along with the Loins Club Awards Banquet for Athletes.
Reid Martin
Carbondale Community High School
Inducted 1996
Reid was involved in the field of education for thirty-seven years. All of those years of service were done in the Carbondale community. He began as a teacher and coach in 1953. In 1963 he became the athletic director and served in that capacity until 1976. In 1976 until his retirement in 1990, he served as the superintendent of schools. Reid was involved at the original athletic directors association meeting in 1965.
Reid is credited with organizing the Southern Illinois athletic directors to become involved in the state association during the early years of the association. Reid also served as vice-president the first three-years of the organization. He was president of the association in 1968-69. During his tenure as president of the IADA representative on the IHSA basketball advisory committee.
Throughout his educational career he served as an active participant and many times and officer in numerous local, sate, and national organizations while employed at Carbondale.
Steve Oracko
Downers Grove North High School
Inducted 1996
Steve Received his BA from the University of Notre Dame University. While at Notre Dame, he was a member of their 1947 & 1949 National Championship teams not to mention Honorable Mention All-American honors in 49′. He spent twenty-two years as the Athletic Director at Downers Grove North High School. Steve is a charter member of both Illinois Athletic Directors Association and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association.
Steve is one of the few Illinois Athletic Directors to receive the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award. This honor was bestowed upon him in 1974. In 1981, Steve was chosen as the Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the year. Steve service to the association includes, but not limited to secretary 1965-66, membership 1973-74, program chairman 1975-76, president 1976-77, and exhibits co-chair 1980-81.
Steve was very active at the national level. He was a member of the original organizing committee, chairman of the constitutional sub-committee, and chairman of the elections committee. Steve also served as the co-chairman of the coordinating committee for the national conference that was held in Chicago.
Upon his retirement he help organize and chaired the retired members division for six years. Since his retirement, Steve has remained active by working numerous track meets in California. He also volunteers his time for various community activities such as special Olympics. Seniors olympics, adaptive leisure activities as well as timing at the local high schools crowd country and track meets.
Jim Perkins
Oak Park River Forest High School
Inducted 1996
Jim served as athletic director at Riverside-Brookfield High School form 1960 to 1970 and at Oak Park River Forest High School from 1970 until his retirement in 1979.
Jim truly is the “Founding father of the State Athletic Directors Associations as we know them. He is created with organizing the first meeting in 1965. He came up with idea of having an annual state convention. He was the first president of our association in 1965-66. In 1966, he was one of two athletic directors to be called to Washington D.C. and was giving the responsibility of bringing together the athletic directors throughout the country in order to form both state and national organizations.
Jim then traveled over 65,000 miles throughout the country completing this task. Jim feels that it was through this effort and along with working with various groups such as AAPHERD, Presidents Council for Physical Fitness, and NCSSAD to new a few, they were able to bring to the American people the importance of exercise.
In 1968, he was chosen as the first president of the national interscholastic athletic administrators association. In 1971, he was chosen as the “Midwest Athletic Director of the Year’. In 1979, he was chosen as the “outstanding athletic director of the ear.” In 1980, he was chosen as the National High School Coaches Association “Midwest director of the year.”
Jim is another Illinois Athletic Director who has received the NIAAA Distinguishes Service Award.
Jim Smajesse
Peoria High School
Inducted 1996
Jim received his BS and MS degrees from Bradley University . He began his professional career as Director of Physical Education and Health for the Diocese of Springfield. He supervised the curricular and extra-curricular programs for 60 elementary schools and 12 high schools.
Jim spent ten years at the collegiate level where he was the head boys baseball and basketball coach at Loras College. During his tenure, his teams received two NCAA Baseball invitations and two NAIA Baseball playoffs.
He returned it Peoria in 1975 and be came the district director of athletics in Peoria for 15 middle and 4 high schools. He served in this position until his retirement in 1991. Through out the state of Illinois, Jim is known for his service in the IADA.
Jim is credited with promoting total state involvement on the executive board. He served many years as a district representative, State Conference Master of Ceremonies, Registration Chairman, Hospitality Chairman, Member of Election Commission, and Speaker at the New Athletic Directors Workshop.
Jim also has run the State Cross Country Meet for the IHSA for the past 26 years. Mr. William Robertson, former principal at Peoria High School had to say this about Jim, “He is a dedicated educator and his loyalty to the promotion of the foundations of sportsmanship has enabled Peoria, and the surround schools, to maintain the highest level of competition. Jim is considered the “Dean of Athletic Directors” in Central Illinois.