May 2023 Newsletter
Closing Out Another Great Year for the NSIAAA - Upcoming Items and Opportunities
Bill Fitzgerald, CMAA - NSIAAA Executive Director
I am not sure where the school year has gone, but it is coming to the finish line rapidly! The NSIAAA Board did a wonderful job with selections of our 22-23 Award Recipients as well as planning for the Spring Awards Banquet itself. Kudos to President Jordan Cudney for running a great day of recognition in Lincoln, and thanks to all of our board members for their help in preparation and presentation. These folks work behind the scenes to make things great for all of you, so thank a board member when you see them next!
As we work toward the end of this year, I would like to commend the membership for another great year in the NSIAAA & NIAAA. Our membership this year will include a record 268 athletic administrators who are currently working or retired in our state. This is a fantastic number which will be recognized at the upcoming national conference in Orlando.
As good as this membership number is, we still have numerous AD’s in our state who are not taking advantage of all the NSIAAA & NIAAA have to offer them! I would encourage each of you in your conference meetings to talk to those who have not joined and share with them the advantages of membership.
May, June, and July may be the summer months, but there are still plenty of opportunities for NSIAAA members' involvement. To list a few:
Tuesday, June 6: NSIAAA Golf Tournament at Iron Horse GC in Ashland. 9:00 am check-in with a 10:00 am shotgun start to a great day of golf, prizes, and a meal to follow. $400 per four-man best ball team, with proceeds going to the Nebraska NIAAA Scholarship Fund. Come get the summer off to a great start - contact Ryan Hogue at Kearney at ryahogue@kearneycats.com if interested! Spots are filling quickly!
June 12-13, 2023: NIAAA Section V Meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott at Aksarben Village. This yearly meeting of representatives from our six state area and NIAAA staff returns to Omaha. Mon. 6/12 meetings go from 2 to 5:30 pm, with dinner to follow, and Tues. 6/13 meetings get going from 8 am to Noon, with the scholarship committee & breakfast prior to the start. It is a good opportunity for those involved in committees and leadership to get on the same page and listen to new procedures going on at the NIAAA and shared by Executive Director Elect Phil Rison. If you are interested in attending, please let Bill Fitzgerald know by May 15.
June 12-14, 2023 NIAAA Section V LTI Institute at UNO. This is the 1st ever LTI Institute in Section V, and a great opportunity to take LTI classes all in one location. Three different time slots will allow you to pick from 12 class offerings, as well as a CAA Study session and an opportunity to take the CAA Exam (if registered) If interested, get in touch with LTI Coordinator Nate Larsen at natelarsen33@gmail.com . Here is the info link:2023 Section V Summer Institute
July 23-27, 2023: NCA All Sport Clinic & NHSACA National Clinic - Lincoln North Star - This is THE Premier All Sport Clinics in our nation, and Nebraska is proud to be able to host it! It also provides numerous opportunities for Nebraska AD’s to learn and share during the conference at the AD sessions, which this year will be expansive. Membership in the NCA is a requirement, but you get so much more than just a clinic. If you haven’t attended recently, you need to come and learn and enjoy the opportunities. To name a few:
Monday, July 24: 8 to 10 AM - NSIAAA New AD Orientation. Jack Tarr and other NSIAAA Board Members provide an “AD 101” briefing to get those just starting the profession off to a good start! Contact Mr. Tarr if you would like to help mentor the new folks during this time.
Monday, July 24: 3:30 to 5:00 PM - NSIAAA 2023-24 Cohort Meeting. Cohort Mentors Steve Throne, Mark Armstrong, Nate Larsen, and Kayla Fischer will hold their opening meeting with the new cohort members in person at Lincoln North Star HS. This group will meet once a month through the Spring Awards Banquet to share skills and ideas that work to be a successful AD. Great professional development opportunity for those who are selected.
Tuesday, July 25: 11:30 AM to 6 PM - Ecsell Sports AD Workshop
This is a TREMENDOUS opportunity I would encourage all of you to attend! It is a workshop for AD’s presented by experts in the field, and it is included in your NCA clinic fee. Take the day to explore opportunities to better your coaching staff and serve the students you have in your schools. See schedule here: Ecsell Sports - The AD Clinic Agenda.pdf
Wednesday, July 26: NSIAAA New AD LTI Classes.
The NSIAAA will be presenting two of the needed LTI courses for NIAAA certification at NO COST to NEW AD’s! (Others can take them at the NIAAA cost of $100 for each class.) We want ALL NEW AD’s to be prepared for their duties, and these two classes set the foundation for that to occur. Contact Nate Larsen, NSIAAA President for 23-24 as well as our LTI Coordinator at natelarsen33@gmail.com for details and registration
8 am to Noon - LTI 501
Lunch Break - provided by NSIAAA
1 to 5 pm - LTI 502
These two classes are classes you need for any certification, and if you take LTI 503 on-line, you would be halfway for what is needed for CAA Certification and also gets that person RAA Certified. (Registered Athletic Administrator)
If you are a New AD, be sure to take advantage of this learning opportunity to get off on the right foot in your job as well as on your way to full certification at the CAA level!
July 23-27, 2023: NEDC Summer Meetings in Traverse City, MI - Executive Director Bill Fitzgerald will join other states executive directors and the NIAAA Staff for the 2023 National Executive Directors Council (NEDC) Summer Meetings, hosted by the Michigan State AD’s Association and Michigan Executive Director Karen Leinaar. Meetings during the day cover new ideas and share information between states and the NIAAA, and evenings usually include some social time and some local attractions. I was very impressed with last year’s meetings in Seattle WA, and look forward to collaborating with this group again to share what works for each state and what could work for Nebraska.
Leadership Training Institute (LTI) courses can always be taken on-line, but don’t forget to plan ahead to take a class in-person at the NSIAAA Fall Conference in Kearney, November 4-6, 2023. Get started toward that certification, or finish up what you have started. You will be a better AD because of it!
Need to know what the 2023-24 NSIAAA year looks like? The link to the NSIAAA Calendar of Events is listed here: * NSIAAA Calendar of Events - ALL YEARS
This calendar can change, so keep this link and check it regularly to make
sure you have the right dates and times listed on your personal information!
It has been a great year for the NSIAAA, and we look forward to serving our Nebraska AD’s. We look forward to your continued NSIAAA Membership in 2023-24! Look for the email June 1 from Final Forms AMP that reminds you to get your membership renewed on-line. You can check your status at nsiaaa.org at any time.
We look forward to your continued involvement and improving yourself as an AD in our state, as well as adding even more AD’s to our membership. Encourage those who are not members to become one, and remind them of all that a membership includes at the state and national level!
District VI Spotlight - Kaci Kearns, Mitchell
I grew up in a small town, Otis, CO., on my family's farm and ranch. My brother and I were the first generation to attend College. I attended Chadron State College where I earned my BS in Elementary Education. At CSC, I met my husband and we moved to his home town of Mitchell, NE. We have one amazing 7 year old daughter that keeps us on our toes.
My first two years of teaching and coaching soccer were at Gering Public Schools. Then I had the opportunity to teach and coach in Mitchell, NE and I was very excited for the opportunities. As soon as I started teaching, I immediately went back to CSC to earn my Masters in Administration. Over the last 23 years, I have taught three different grade levels, coached at all levels and across multiple sports. As the AD, I still have the opportunity to continue to Co-Coach Varsity Girls Golf along with my AD duties.
Being a first generation to attend college and earn my degree, it is of the utmost importance to remind students how important their education is. Students need to be reminded constantly how many doors their education and involvement in activities will open for them. When they are involved in an activity in school, they learn so many life-long skills that will help develop them into a well rounded adult. Communication, discipline, dedication, and a good work ethic just to name a few.
I have been blessed to be a part of Mitchell Public Schools for over 20 years. We have outstanding staff and students. I love being a part of our school system and our community. Here at Mitchell, we are working to continue to build our community relationships and get our students involved not only in activities, but our community as well. Our students are challenged to not only work hard in the classroom, but on the field of play as well. I look forward to continuing to help foster relationships across the activities and our community.
NSIAAA / NIAAA Membership Fees Can Be Paid Through Your School on the NSAA Activities Online Registration Sheet in 2023-24
After several years of discussion and then approval from the NSAA Board of Directors, each of you has a new way to submit your payment for your NSIAAA / NIAAA Dual Membership whether it is a Renewal or a New Membership!
If your school has paid for your membership in the past or they are willing to do so now, you can PAY your NSIAAA/NIAAA Membership on your NSAA Activities Online Registration Form.
Paying for your membership will be easier this year if your school covers this cost. The NSAA & NSIAAA have worked together to ADD the NSIAAA/NIAAA membership fee for the to the NSAA Activities Registration Form.
It will be in a checkbox form on the NSAA Online Activities Registration Form, and you can pay through school for your membership via this checkbox for your:
Athletic Director ($250)
Asst. Athletic Director ($250)
Middle School AD - ($125) *This person MUST specifically be a Middle School Duties AD ONLY.
The NSAA will then share the information and the membership fees for those paying through their schools with the NSIAAA after the NSAA Activities Registration deadline.
PLEASE NOTE -
You will still need to RENEW or JOIN the NSIAAA/NIAAA on our member website. You will get a reminder from the AMP app to do so when your membership is 90 days away from expiration. Those are set to go out on June 1, 2023
When you RENEW or JOIN, you then click the box saying your dues have been paid through the NSAA Activities Registration form, which we will have a list of those who have chosen this method of payment.
If you still need to pay your membership fee, you can do so on the AMP app with a credit card or by sending a personal check to Jenny Wagner at Centennial HS.
NSIAAA / NIAAA Dual Membership notices start going out 90 days prior to the deadline (August 30), so look for this in your email.
NSIAAA Golf Scramble
NSIAAA Golf Scramble
NSIAAA / NIAAA Scholarships Awarded
Bill Fitzgerald, CMAA - NSIAAA Executive Director
The NSIAAA is happy to present numerous scholarships to seniors in Nebraska this year, as the NSIAAA Scholarship Committee has made their selections. The NSIAAA Board appreciates their time and energy in making these selections.
Thirty-five applicants filed for consideration for the Nebraska NIAAA Scholarship, which a male & female from each NSAA District are selected for $250 scholarships, and one a male and female selected from those district winners to represent Nebraska at the NIAAA Section V level in June - those two people also received an additional $500 each. If selected for Section V recognition, they will receive additional funding and move to the NIAAA National selection process.
Nine senior sons or daughters of current NSIAAA members applied for the NSIAAA Gdowski Family Scholarship, which also awards $500 to one male and one female applicant. This year, the Female NSIAAA Award was named in honor of Larry King, longtime supporter of Nebraska High School activities who passed away this spring.
Thank you to those AD’s, both working and retired, who helped make the selections for these scholarships. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated by the NSIAAA Board. Congratulations to the 2023 scholarship recipients!
NSIAAA State Scholarship - ($500) (Son or Daughter of a current NSIAAA Member): *Sponsored by the Gerry Gdowski Family
Gerry Gdowski Family Male NSIAAA Recipient: Keegan Theobald - Fillmore Central HS
Larry King Female NSIAAA Recipient: Keetyn Valentine - David City HS
NIAAA National Scholarship ($250 to each)
Male
District I - Hayden Frank - Malcolm
District II - Barrett Andel - David City
District III - Raden Orton - Rock County
District IV - Bowdie Fox - Grand Island Central Catholic
District V - Ryan Kermmoade - Alma
District VI - Josiah Mobley - Scottsbluff
Nebraska Male Selection - Section V
Bowdie Fox - Grand Island Central Catholic
Female
District I - Cailey Faust - York
District II - Molly Burk - Omaha North
District III - Brooklyn Buell - Rock County
District IV - Gracie Woods - Grand Island Central Catholic
District V - Trinity Houchin - Minden
District VI - Brinna Phillips - Hemingford
Nebraska Female Selection - Section V
Brooklyn Buell - Rock County
From the desk of the Past President
Jeremy VanAckeren
Well, my time is up on the NSIAAA Board. My five years have been a tremendous experience and I have gotten to know several people through my time on the board. The relationships, experience and knowledge gained through my service has been immeasurable. This organization is truly one of the best professional organizations in the educational world.
I am very humbled and honored for the awards that I received in 2022-2023 and I consider these awards a team effort. I could not do my job with the support from my family and my team at PL-South. I wish everybody the best as they press forward in this profession, as it is one of the most challenging but rewarding at the same time.
Thank you all for all you do!!! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need help.
Sincerely
JVA
District V Spotlight - Troy Hauxwell, Chase County
My Name is Troy Hauxwell, and I am the Activity Director for Chase County High School in Imperial, Nebraska. I am from Indianola, Nebraska. I received my Associates Degree at McCook Community College and my Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I am starting my 26th year in education.
This is my 26th year in education with the last 11 years at Chase County Schools. I began my Education Career at Bethune Schools in Colorado as a K-12 Physical Education/Health teacher, Head 6-Man Football, Head Basketball and Assistant Track Coach. Jim Poole, the Superintendent of Bethune Schools, retired in 1999 after 35 years of service. Mr. Poole convinced me to move into the Athletic Director position along with my teaching and coaching duties. I am completing my 23rd year as an Activities Director and 26th year coaching. My wife Mercedes and I are celebrating our 26 years together and we have four children. Our oldest daughter Kaley and her husband Jace Clevenger both reside and work in the Imperial Community. Faith is a Junior, Haven is a freshman and Addison is in sixth grade. Our parents still reside in the McCook area.
Being an Activities Director and Coach has been such a blessing with the opportunity to to build relationships with students, coaches, officials, parents, community members and so many others. I am grateful for all the mentors I have had throughout my life. The willingness of others to share and help me grow as a person, has helped me be who I am today. We have such an opportunity to impact the lives of others on a daily basis. Growing up and attending school at Republican Valley, in Indianola, NE, I appreciate all the teachers and coaches who invested their time and energy into their students' lives. High School Athletics allows for so many life lessons and inspired me to pursue a career in Education.
President-Elect Message
One of the newsletters I follow is The Daily Coach. It is a quick read & full of great content. Some of the recent editions had a few things that really stood out for me that I’d like to share with you. The first is the idea that “Communication is more than just transmitting the information. It is also about connecting emotionally with others to inspire them.” As athletic administrators, it is easy for us to get caught up in how busy our jobs can be & lose track of the connection piece of communication. The challenge we face is being intentional in all our communication, so we maximize that connection. One thing I have started doing is closing my computer when someone enters my office. That sends a clear message to them that they have my undivided attention. I’m always open to other ideas as well, if you feel like you have done something in this area that is working well, I’d love to hear about it!
The second thing that stuck with me was the idea that “It is not enough for a leader to do things right. They must do the right things.” When we reflect on our actions, are the things we are spending the majority of our time on low or high impact? Are we leading by example; do our actions match our narrative? I know when I ask those questions, they cause me to think of some of the great leaders I have been fortunate to grow up around and work with. I’ve taken a statement from one of them and used it frequently throughout my career, “There’s no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity.” I’ve had some great conversations surrounding that statement with students, athletes & colleagues over the years, hopefully it can do the same for some of you.
The last thing that stood out to me was also highlighted by Sam Bennett during the Masters. The newsletter said “One day you will wake up & there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” Sam Bennett’s father passed away from Alzheimer’s & was the inspiration behind his tattoo, “Don’t wait to do something.” It is easy to focus on the things that we have to get done whether at home or at work, but as we get close to the end of another school year, make sure you take some time this summer to take care of yourself and do something that you’ve always wanted to do!
Good luck to everyone as we get ready to begin the postseason portion of our spring seasons, hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate with some warmer weather! I hope to see several of you at our golf tournament & first ever summer LTI Institute in June!
LTI and Certification Coordinator Update
Registration for the first ever Section V Summer LTI Institute is open! The Institute will take place Monday through Wednesday, June 12-14 in Omaha. We will be offering 4 classes Monday morning, 4 classes Tuesday afternoon & 4 classes Wednesday morning. There will also be a study session for the CAA exam on Tuesday evening with the exam itself being offered Wednesday afternoon. The full schedule of courses can be seen using this link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eMQep9G29YU6lK3zFpttktPjjGTda5a1vlc7tWnwKuA/edit?usp=sharing
Our colleagues from Kansas have created the registration link using their Final Forms account. Everyone who is not a KIAAA member will need to contact Marc Haught (mhaught@kiaaa.org) to get a temporary profile created so you can register for courses. The link to register is here:
https://kiaaa.finalforms-amp.com/events/11
Please keep in mind that you must complete the personal data form & CAA application available through your NIAAA member portal & be approved by the national office prior to being able to register for the exam. We hope to have a great turnout of people looking to grow professionally & work toward earning their certification! The various certifications & requirements are as follows:
RAA (Registered Athletic Administrator): LTI 501, 502 & 503, & a bachelor’s degree. The cost for a member to apply is $75.
RMSAA (Registered Middle School Athletic Administrator): LTI 501, 502, 503, 504, 700 & 701, a bachelor’s degree, & be employed as an AD. The cost for a member to apply is $100.
CAA (Certified Athletic Administrator): LTI 501, 502, 503, 504 & 506, a bachelor’s degree, be employed as an AD with 2 or more years of experience, & pass the CAA exam. The cost for a member to apply is $175.
CMAA (Certified Master Athletic Administrator): LTI 501, 502, 503, 504, 506, 508, 510, any 600-level course, any 700-level course & 3 additional elective courses, a bachelor’s degree, previously earning your CAA certification, & the completion of a project. The cost for a member to apply is $200.
There will also be an opportunity to take the foundational courses (501 & 502) at the NCA clinic in July. These courses will be offered on Wednesday, July 26th from 8:00 – Noon & 1:00 – 5:00 with lunch provided in between. All first year ADs for the 2023-24 school year can take the classes for free (NSIAAA covers the cost) as long as they are registered by Friday, July 14th. All experienced ADs may sign up for the classes as well, but the cost is $100 each with the same registration deadline. The registration link for those courses will be released at a later date.
Aside from these exciting opportunities, we are always looking for new & creative ways to offer LTI courses for our membership. If you have a particular course that is of interest to you, find a few colleagues that share your interest, I’m happy to travel to teach a course or offer it via zoom if we have at least 4 people taking it.
NIAAA Awards Presented at the 2023 NSIAAA Spring Awards Banquet
2023 NSIAAA Spring Awards Banquet - Award Recipients
Pictures can be found on the front page of nsiaaa.org
NSIAAA Outstanding Service Awards:
Tim & Sue Higgins - Kearney
Mike Peck - Kearney
Don Ellicott - Southwest
Gary Beard - Logan View
Mary Gangwish - Waverly
Joe Shandera - Lincoln High
Mary Ann & Bob Williams - PLV & PLV South
Paul Edens - Official - Scottsbluff
Jayson Brueggeman - Athletic Trainer, Centennial
NSIAAA Award of High Distinction: Jay Bellar - NSAA Executive Director
NSIAAA Meritorious Service: Jeremy VanAckeren - Papillon LaVista South - Past President
NSIAAA District Athletic Directors of the Year
District I AD of Year: Brad McMillan - Waverly HS
District II AD of Year: Jeremy Van Ackeren - Papillion LaVista South HS
District III AD of Year: Jared Hansmeyer - Ainsworth HS
District IV AD of Year: Tracy Douglas - Hastings HS
District V AD of Year: Les Roggenkamp - Southwest HS
District VI AD of Year: Barry Swisher - Sioux County HS
NSIAAA Assistant Athletic Director of Year: Chris Ladwig - Grand Island HS
NSIAAA Middle School Athletic Director of Year: Jason Blanco - Scottsbluff MS
Mike Purdy / Mike McMahon NSIAAA Emerging AD Award(Given to an AD of 1 to 5 years experience): Michelle Heath, CAA - Weeping Water HS
NSIAAA President’s Award: Jordan Cudney - Hershey HS
Retiring NSIAAA AD’s Members:
Jerry Rempe - Southern
Mike Smith - Ralston
Nick Hostert - O’Neill
Mike Dempsey - Omaha Gross
Dick Ross - Grand Island CC
Greg Appleby - Summerland
NSIAAA State Athletic Director of the Year: Jeremy VanAckeren - PLV South
NSIAAA President Newsletter
Jordan Cudney: AD at Hershey
Hello members of the NSIAAA!!
We are coming to the close of another school year and another chapter in the book is about to be written!! I am sure we can all look back on the 2022-2023 school year and identify the highs and lows, the joys and the pains, as well as the triumphs and defeats that helped to shape and define the past nine months. Before we begin to look back too far, may I remind us all of the importance of FINISHING STRONG for the students and staff you serve in your respective districts!! Entrepreneur and author, Dan Green, shared the following words on finishing strong: “Finish strong. I challenge you to find two words that more absolutely define a performance objective. For me, those two words are a clear call to action.” So as we make the transition from the current school year to the summer months, what are those things you need to do to ensure you FINISH STRONG? Below are a couple of checklist items that can help ensure you end the school year on a positive note and head into the summer months well.
Summer Strength & Conditioning / Camps: Each of us know how vital the summer is to the development and growth of the student athletes we serve. Make sure you sit down with your head coaches and strength staff to make sure the blueprint for success is clear and that it has been communicated to all the stakeholders in your district.
2023-2024 Professional Development: Take some time to identify how you will grow the staff you serve in the coming year. The Nebraska Coaches Association Coaches Clinic (July 25th-27th) is a great resource to make sure coaches in your district attend. Additionally, look at some materials/resources that you could use to help your staff grow during the course of the school year. Some of those include, but are not limited to, 3D Coaching, Proactive Coaching, Ecsell Sports, Etc…
End of Year Reports/Meetings: The end of the school year is a great time to make sure all coaching evaluations are complete and that any end of the year reports you need to compile are done. Having these done before staff get out of the building for the summer is easier than trying to bring them back once summer break starts.
2023-2024 Sports Orders: Before the summer months come, it is always important to either submit your equipment orders for the coming year or double check with your vendors on delivery and payments for the coming school years sports equipment orders.
2023-2024 Start of the Year Meetings: Before heading into summer break, make sure you go back and confirm any start of the year staff and/or parent meetings on the master calendar. Having these days set early in the summer takes one less thing off your plate when the busyness of August rolls around.
Wishing you all a STRONG FINISH to the 2022-2023 school year and wish you all the best as we move into the summer months!!!
NSIAAA – Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame
Honoring greatness in Nebraska High School Sports
In 1970, the athletic administrators across the state of Nebraska came together to form a group not only to promote athletic understanding and relationships throughout the state of Nebraska, but to ensure that administrators, patrons and others understood the importance of high school sports in the state and the role of the activities in schools and our communities. This formation legitimized the role of the activities administrator as a leader within the school district.
Over the years, organizations highly invested in high school sports in Nebraska have partnered to continue the promotion of “the other half of education”. The Nebraska School Activities Association was formed in 1910. The Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1993 in Lincoln. These organizations are essential for the advancement of the NSIAAA.
The Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame has inducted over 400 athletes, coaches and contributors over the past 30 years. Almost all inductees have been shaped or directly involved with their school’s activities director. That is why it is imperative that current activity directors nominate the best of the best for the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame. There are many former activity directors currently in the NHSSHOF. Nevertheless, when you think of the role of the activities administrator and the influence and guidance they have within our communities, many more should be honored.
For information regarding nomination of individuals to the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, please visit NHSSHOF or contact Alan Frank at alan.frank@adams-central.org.
Original NSIAAA Logo
Original NSIAAA Members
