May 2022 Newsletter
Message from the Past President
Jeremy VanAckeren
We are finally back to some normalcy and the kids are competing at a high level. Let’s hope that the roadblocks that we have faced the last couple of years are gone and our kids can be kids again!!
I want to thank all who attended the banquet and congratulations to all of the award winners!! It was a great event and Wilderness Ridge were tremendous hosts. We hope to continue that partnership as we go forward with our spring banquets.
In the wake of the mental health struggles for many of our young people, it’s very important to build positive relationships with our kids. We must remember, in most cases they aren’t just trying to succeed for themselves but for their parents, coaches, teammates, etc. Check in with your athletes, especially if you notice behavioral changes; ask how you can help. Try to focus on the things not related to sports.
As I turn over the reins to Jordan Cudney, I am truly blessed to be on this board and love the interaction with AD’s across the state. Thank you for all that you do and will continue to do. Take some time this summer to recharge the batteries and get ready for the fall!!
Have a great year and if you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!
District V Spotlight
Craig Newcomb - Bertrand
My name is Craig Newcomb. I am finishing up my 25th year at Bertrand Community School; the last 18 which I have served as the Activities Director for the district. In addition to the AD duties, I also teach business/computer classes, a strength class, and am also co-tech coordinator. I took over as AD for Jerry Stine, who had a very good system already in place, and I was also very fortunate to be able to receive additional mentoring from him to get me going.
One of the things I like about being involved in the activities programs across the board is being able to see the students outside of the classroom setting, and sometimes seeing a whole other side to those individuals; especially the student that might be a little reserved in the academic setting really turn into a very outgoing participant. It’s also very rewarding seeing what they learn from being involved in activities carrying over into their lives beyond.
My family consists of my wife of 29 years, Trista, and our son Dawson (16), who is finishing up his sophomore year. I truly appreciate their understanding and dealing with the many nights and extra hours away from home during the school year.
Check us out on social media at --
Twitter: @BertrandVikings
Facebook: Bertrand Viking Nation
LTI and Certification Update
We are fortunate to have an NIAAA Outreach Grant for this summer. That means all first year ADs will be able to take LTI 501 – Guiding Foundations and Philosophies, and LTI 502 – Strategies for Organizational Management for free at the NCA Clinic this July and will get LTI 503 online for free following the clinic. Please help spread the word to all new ADs so they can take advantage of this opportunity to get some classes in before they begin working and take the first steps toward their certification. We will also be offering LTI 706 – Coaching Coaches to be Leadership Educators at the clinic for all ADs regardless of experience for $100. You will need to be registered for the NCA Clinic to take any of the classes. The schedule for the courses during the clinic will be as follows:
Tuesday, 7/26/22 – LTI 501, Media Center, 1:15 – 5:15
Tuesday, 7/26/22 – LTI 706, Classroom TBD, 1:15 – 5:15
Wednesday, 7/27/22 – LTI 502, Media Center, 1:15 – 5:15
For those of you working on your certification or just planning ahead to the fall conference in Kearney, we will be offering LTI 506 – Legal Issues II (Title IX and Sexual Harassment), and LTI 608 – Management Strategies and Organization Techniques in November. We will also be offering the CAA exam during the fall conference. If you are unsure whether you have met the requirements to sit for the exam you can look on the NIAAA portal or contact me for assistance. If you plan to take the CAA exam, you will need to register in advance through the NIAAA portal and let me know. Let’s keep those certification numbers growing!
President-Elect Message
Nate Larsen
The end of the school year is a great time for reflection and planning. What worked well this year? What needs to change for next year? Is the summer calendar ready to go? Have camp dates been publicized? Are all my coaching/sponsor positions filled? Do I have all my officials hired? Is my spreadsheet for event workers ready to go? Have all requisitions been processed, and orders placed? Have all end of year meetings with coaches and sponsors taken place? It can seem like a long list pretty quickly but taking care of these items early can make for a much more enjoyable summer and smooth start to the upcoming school year!
Summer can also be a great time for relationship building. I was fortunate to hear Coach Jim Weeks speak recently. While several things from his talk stand out, I really liked the statements; “You can’t give people enough compliments” and “Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note”. Take advantage of the opportunity this summer to write some notes and/or thank you cards to send to people that helped you during the year. Send something to all your coaches and sponsors to let them know some of the things you appreciate about them. Build and strengthen those relationships with your team!
I was also fortunate to hear Morgan Holen (Miss Nebraska) speak at the recent FFA state convention. She had a great message, “What you do is not who you are”. It is easy during introductions to give your name and your job. When we do that, what have we really told someone about ourselves? Spend time with people (especially family and friends over the summer), ask them questions to learn more about who they are, and let your actions show those around you who you truly are.
I’m going to let some wisdom from Ted Lasso (quoting Walt Whitman) start my closing, “Be curious, not judgmental”. Take the time to learn something new this summer; read books, listen to podcasts (there are several of both by ADs who are very active in the NIAAA), or take a trip to visit another AD to see how they do things. Recharge your batteries a little bit too; take a trip, play golf, or go fishing. Make time for the things you enjoy and have a great summer!
Message from the President
Jordan Cudney
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 2021-2022 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: "Regardless of what came before or of what has yet to come, what matters most right now is how I choose to respond to the challenge before me. Will I lie down or will I fight? The choice is mine and I choose to finish strong." 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.
2022-2023 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 26th-28th) 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.
2022-2023 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.
2022-2023 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 2021-2022 school year and I look forward to serving the NSIAAA body as president for the 2022-2023 school year!
District VI Spotlight
Blake Beebout - Valentine
My name is Blake Beebout and I am completing my 15th year in Education, 1st as an Activities Director. I graduated from Valentine High School in 2002, and attended University of Nebraska-Kearney, playing football and baseball. I graduated from UNK in 2007, with a BAE in Social Sciences 7-12. I completed my Masters Degree from Chadron State College in Educational Administration 7-12 in 2019. I spent the last 14 years in the classroom as a high school Social Studies teacher. I have spent all of my career at Valentine High School.
While at Valentine High School I have been Head Girls Basketball Coach (1 year), Head Boys Basketball Coach (5 years), Head Football Coach (7 years), and am currently Head Track Coach (7 years). I have also been an Assistant Coach in all the previous areas as well as Boys Golf. I have been fortunate enough to have been selected as an Assistant Coach in the West Nebraska All-Star Game and the Nebraska Shrine Bowl.
My wife Jessica and I have 5 children. Twin boys Dominic and Trystan who are 13. My daughter, Clarrah, is 12. My two youngest boys are Banks, 9, and Spencer, 7. Our family is busy following our 5 children during all of their activities. Almost every summer evening is spent at the city baseball fields.
I never initially envisioned coming back to my hometown to teach and coach, but I have been blessed and fortunate here in Valentine. I get to work with awesome people everyday, and I enjoy building relationships with our students.
So far my favorite part of being an AD has been helping coaches and sponsors with their athletes and students-working together to find ways to motivate them, putting them in positions to have success, building positive relationships, and preparing them for life in the “real world.” Having coached so many different sports, I enjoy sharing advice/experiences for different situations. If I don’t know an answer, I feel I have created a great network of excellent coaches/ADs, to where I can point our people in the right direction. I have also enjoyed working with our Administrative Team. They have been fantastic support for my 1st year of being Activities Director
Closing Out Another Year
Upcoming NSIAAA Items and Opportunities
Executive Director - Bill Fitzgerald
With the 2021-22 school year quickly coming to a close, it has been my honor to lead the NSIAAA as Executive Director for the first time. The framework of the NSIAAA was on solid ground as the NSIAAA Board selected me to take over for longtime NSIAAA Executive Director Mike Purdy. However, as much I knew about this organization from my past experiences, as well as from Mike’s leadership, I did not fully comprehend the involvement that it takes to keep it moving!
There are many behind the scenes action items that occur, and more time than many can imagine. The conferences, banquets, LTI offerings, and the numerous meetings do not just plan themselves or happen without the diligent work of the NSIAAA Board Members. I greatly appreciate the time and energy all of them have put into this year, and without their help, the NSIAAA would not be able to provide outstanding opportunities for our members! A special thanks to outgoing President Jeremy VanAckeren for his leadership for not one, but two years at the helm! A better servant leader is tough to find!
We managed to have a year dealing with the pandemic still in place, but under better control due to vaccinations and health measures at the local level. Games with fans, full attendance, and exciting contests were back, and we all had a part in making it happen. Our members got the opportunity to once again attend the NSIAAA Fall Conference in Kearney, which helps those individuals get the year off to a good start. The Spring Awards Banquet was adjusted due to the NSAA State Basketball Tournament format, but it was still well attended as we honored those award recipients.
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 7: 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!
June 13 - 14, 2022: 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. 6/13 meetings go from 2 to 6 pm, with dinner to follow, and Tues. 6/14 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.
July 5-11, 2022: NIAAA Board Meeting / NIAAA Publications Committee Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. Bill Fitzgerald will be heading up his last summer Publications Committee Meeting July 5-7 as Chairman. This committee puts together the IAA Magazine for the NIAAA membership as well as previews any new LTI courses that are being piloted during this time. Steve Throne of Millard South will come in for the NIAAA Summer Board Meetings, and will have much to do. With Phil Rison taking over for retiring Executive Director Mike Blackburn in January of 2023, Steve gets to help review and select the next Asst. Executive Director for the NIAAA. Always a great time to see friends from across the country and to get some business done at the same time!
July 21-24, 2022: NEDC Summer Meetings in Seattle, WA - Executive Director Bill Fitzgerald will join other states executive directors and NIAAA Staff for the 2022 National Executive Directors Council Summer Meetings, hosted by the WSSAAA and Executive Director Dave Tikker. Meetings during the day cover new ideas and share information between states and the NIAAA, and evenings usually include some social time and local attractions. I learned MUCH last year in Deadwood, SD, and look forward to collaboration with this group again to share what works for each state.
July 25-28, 2022: NCA All Sport 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. 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 25: 8 to 10 AM - NSIAAA New AD Orientation. Jack Tarr and other NSIAAA Board Members provide an “AD 101” briefing to get those just in the profession off to a good start! Contact Jack if you would like to help mentor the new folks during this time.
Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27: NSIAAA / NIAAA New AD LTI Grant. The NSIAAA has procured a grant from the NIAAA allowing New AD’s to take THREE beginning LTI’s for NO COST! LTI Coordinator Nate Larsen is heading this up, so if you know a New AD, have them contact Nate at nlarsen@loganview.org to get signed up!
1:15 to 5:15 pm on Tuesday, July 26th - LTI 501
1:15 to 5:15 pm on Wednesday, July 27th - LTI 502
With-in 60 days following these classes:
LTI 503 is offered FREE On-Line to those who have completed 501 & 502 during this timeframe.
These three classes are ½ for what is needed for CAA Certification and also gets that person RAA Certified.
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!
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 5-7, 2022. 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 2022-23 NSIAAA year looks like? The link to the NSIAAA Calendar of Events is listed here: * NSIAAA Calendar of Events 2022-23
This calendar can change, so keep this link and check it regularly to makensure 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 your continued NSIAAA Membership in 2022-23! Look for the email this summer from Final Forms that reminds you to get your membership renewed on-line. You can check your status atnsiaaa.org- we look forward to your continued involvement and improving yourself as an AD in our state!
Congratulations to the 2022 NSIAAA Award Winners!
NSIAAA Outstanding Service Awards
Dist. 1 - Ann Kramer - Malcolm (Administrative Assistant)
Dist. II - Shannon Harney - Oakland Craig (Community Member)
Dist. II - Jim Gilin - Millard South (Community Member)
Dist. III - Bob and JoAnne Wiebelhaus - Hartington Cedar Catholic (Community Members)
Dist. III - Randy Kliment - Creighton (Retired AD /Community Member)
Dist. IV - Mark Hehnke - Paxton (Community Member)
Dist. IV - Chuck Kasson - Amherst (Community Member)
Dist. V - Gary Wiemers - McCook (Community Member)
Dist. II - Randy Gottula - (Media) Sunny 101.3 KLZA & KTNC, Falls City, NE (Media)
Dist. II - John Nixon - (Media) Sunny 101.3 KLZA & KTNC, Falls City, NE (Media)
Dist. II - Tom Eckley - (Vendor) Lou’s Sporting Goods (Vendor)
Dist. VI - Chris Cottrell - KNEB Rural Radio (Media)
Retiring NSIAAA AD’s - Marty Hingst - Milford, Rick Peters - St. Paul, Andy Pope - Chadron, Ken Smith - Kimball, Jake Shadley - Columbus Lakeview, Kathi Wieskamp - Lincoln Public Schools, Rhonda Gestring - David City.
NSIAAA District Athletic Directors of the Year
District I AD of Year: Dr. J.J. Toczek, CAA - Lincoln Southeast
District II AD of Year: Steve Throne, CMAA - Millard South
District III AD of Year: Cody Wintz - Battle Creek
District IV AD of Year: Rick Petri - Kearney Catholic
District V AD of Year: Isaac Frecks - Alma
District VI AD of Year: Rick Barry - Crawford
NSIAAA Award of High Distinction:
Kathi Wieskamp - District AD, Lincoln Public Schools
NSIAAA Meritorious Service:
Lance Smith, CAA - Millard West
NSIAAA Assistant Athletic Director of Year:
Bubba Penas - Papillon LaVista South
NSIAAA Past President’s Award:
Jeremy VanAckeren - Papillon LaVista South
Mike Purdy / Mike McMahon NSIAAA Emerging AD Award:
(Awarded to an AD of 1 to 5 years experience)
Jenny Wagner, CAA - Centennial
NSIAAA State Athletic Director of the Year:
Steve Throne, CMAA - Millard South
Thank you to those NSIAAA members, family, friends, and corporate sponsors who took the time to attend the banquet and help us celebrate these distinguished athletic administrators accomplishments! We also held our Spring NSIAAA Business Meeting and then gathered at the Press Box Bar & Grill for our post banquet social, which was well attended and very much enjoyed!
We look forward to returning to the normal NSAA format of separate weeks (whether it is a 3 or 4 day event) for the State Girls & Boys BB Tournaments, with the NSIAAA Banquet being held the day prior to the start of the NSAA Boys State BB Tournament in March. That date will be shared when that decision is made by the NSAA in May, and we hope you can attend to help honor those in our profession who are so deserving!
NSIAAA/NIAAA Scholarships
Executive Director - Bill Fitzgerald
With this being the first year of organizing and collecting our scholarship applications, I am not aware of our previous high water mark for applicants. However, 2022 was a great year for the numbers we had come in, and those that were selected to be awarded scholarships!
Sixty-one applicants filed for consideration for the Nebraska NIAAA Scholarship, which a male & female from each NSAA District are selected (if available) for $250 scholarships, with 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.
Seven senior sons or daughters of current NSIAAA members applied for the NSIAAA Gdowski Family Scholarship, which also awards $500 to the recipient.
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 2022 recipients!
NSIAAA State Scholarship *Sponsored by the Gerry Gdowski Family - ($500) (Son or Daughter of a current NSIAAA Member):
Allyson Kort - Meridian
NIAAA National Scholarship
Male District Selections ($250 to each)
Male Name/School
District I - Garrett Hier - Sterling
District II - Kayl Francis - Logan View
District III - Brett Reestman - Norfolk
District IV - Jacob Moseley - GI Northwest
District V - Aaron Sturtevant - Holdrege
District VI - Trevor Schwartz - Scottsbluff
Nebraska Male Selection - Moves on to Section V Competition (Additional $500)
Trevor Schwartz - Scottsbluff
NIAAA National Scholarship
Female District Selections ($250 to each)
Female Name/School
District I - Danielle Janssen - Sterling
District II - Claire Williams - Omaha Central
District III - Brittani Gutz - Plainview
District IV - Tenley Hadwiger - Amherst
District V - N/A
District VI - Kerstin Brown - South Platte
Nebraska Female Selection - Moves on to Section V Competition (Additional $500)
Danielle Janssen - Sterling
