The 2010 GADA Conference saw many changes from years past. Athletic directors and guests enjoyed the addition of the Hall of Fame Luncheon. It was great to honor those who conceived the Georgia Athletic Directors Association many years ago. Other additions to the new format were the LTC courses taught throughout the conference. For the first time, the attendees who did not participate in golf could attend an LTC class or take part in two workshops at no additional charge. These educational opportunities are critical for the growth of our profession. They also provide the opportunity for athletic directors to gain national accreditation with CAA and CMAA certification.

At the conference in Savannah, over 84 statewide athletic directors took part in seven different LTC classes. Two of the LTC classes had over 20 participants. Athletic directors took advantage of the free workshops offered on Monday, with 18 to 20 participants in each class.  While the workshops did not contribute to national certification, they were a great opportunity to share ideas that work within our profession.

A special thank you goes out to all the teachers and those attending the LTC classes and workshops. The discussions, networking, and problem solving are always a critical but enjoyable activity of the courses and workshops.

Athletic directors need to know the changes taking place in the Leadership Training Courses. Beginning in January of 2011, the CAA certification will require an additional LTC class. LTC courses 501, 502, and 504 are required. The additional course, 506, will be required in order to complete the personal data file (PDF) which is ordered from the NIAAA office. Once this is completed, the NIAAA will inform the athletic director if they may sit for the CAA exam.

The GADA is considering teaching LTC classes in the fall. There may be a need to teach LTC 506 throughout the state so athletic directors can be ready for the CAA at the 2011 conference. Please email Bob Stinchcomb at bstinchcomb@darlingtonschool.org if you are interested in taking LTC 504 or 506 in the fall of 2010. Locations will vary depending on those interested.

It is the hope of the GADA Board Members that all the athletic directors enjoyed the 2010 State Conference and the new format. Feel free to email Bob Stinchcomb at the above address with any questions, suggestions or criticisms about the conference. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

STATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Rusty Hudson, Westminster School

N.I.A.A.A. Award Of Merit
Lynne M. Malloy, North Springs (Retired)

Distinguished Service Award
Carter Wilson, Decatur

Citation Award
Mike Carswell, Calvary Day

Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award
Joe Sanfilippo, Jenkins (Retired)

Class Athletic Director Of The Year
Class  A    Kris Palmerton, Pace
Class  AA    Calvin L. Scandrett, Lamar County
Class  AAA    Dennis Stromie, West Forsyth
Class  AAAA    Brian Moore    , Apalachee
Class  AAAAA    Mark Whitley, Parkview

For a complete list of Regional Athletic Directors Awards click HERE

The winter sports season has come to an end and that means that the GADA Regions Director's Cup is two-thirds completed. The Regions Director's Cup honors schools in all GHSA classifications who excel in all athletic activities. Here's a look at the standings in each classifications.

In Class 5A, Walton has been a regular at the top, winning the cup the last three years. This year, Collins Hill is the front runner to win their first cup since the 2005-06 season, and are in first place with 627 points. The next three teams are also from Gwinnett County with Brookwood coming in second, Peachtree Ridge in third place and North Gwinnett coming in fourth place.

The GADA also recognizes the boys and girls for each classification. The Brookwood boys come in first place with 306 points. For the girls, Walton claims the top spot with a slight lead over Mill Creek with 376 points. The Lady Raiders could clinch the title if the tennis team continues on their unbeaten run.

Marist has been the most dominant program in Class 4A since joining the classification in 2000. They have won all the 4A Director's Cups since their inaugural year and this year should be no different as they lead with 758 points. From football, basketball, wrestling and swimming, the War Eagles continue to win and they should really do some damage in the spring. The Marist boys and girls also lead their individual classes with the boys tallying 343 points and the girls collecting 415 points.

In Class 3A Marist's arch-rival, St. Pius X, is leading the way with 568 points, which is a slight lead over Woodward Academy who has 539 points. This has been a classification where Westminster dominated from 2000-2008, but they dropped down to 2A last year which paved the way for St. Pius X to win their first cup. On the boys side, Woodward is in first with 258 points while the St. Pius X girls leads their division with 352 points, only two points more than Columbus.

Out of all the classifications, 2A could be the one that is the toughest one to call because the top two teams, GAC and Westminster, are tied for first place with 597 points. GAC got major points this fall because the boys' basketball team won a state title, but Westminster was able to keep pace as the boys swim team finished in third place in the state championships while the girls finished in second. And let's not forget about Blessed Trinty, who are the defending Director's Cup champions and are not far behind the GAC and Westminster with 581 points.  

While Class 2A is up in the air, Class 1A is not even competitive, as Wesleyan is dominating the class with 812 points. Ever since moving to 1A last year, the athletic teams have thrived and this year has been no different. They had an amazing winter as the boys' and girls' basketball teams won state titles and the wrestling team finished fourth in the traditional wrestling championship. Savannah Christian is in second with 496 points and Bremen, who won the wrestling state title, rounds out the top three with 489.
 
This article appeared in the 3/26/10 edition of Score Prep. Jones can be reached at bjones@scoreatl.com

 

This should give you a start in your preparation for the month of April. Good luck!

Jeff Beggs,CMAA

Associate Athletic Director

St. Francis Schools

Click HERE to download a print version of the checklist